Avon Valley Dementia Support
Driver Policy
Aim of Policy
To provide a safe procedure when transporting patients with dementia to events in volunteers’ cars.
Objective of the Policy
To make volunteer drivers aware of the main risks they face when driving people with dementia and their carer’s.
To make sure volunteer drivers demonstrate, safe, efficient driving skills and other good road safety habits to ensure the maximum safety of the drivers, occupants and other road users.
Volunteers’ vehicles must be maintained in a safe, road worthy condition to ensure the maximum safety of the driver, occupants and other road users.
Code of Conduct.
The code of conduct for Avon Valley Dementia Support Volunteers must comply with traffic legislation, be conscious of road safety, demonstrate safe driving and other good road safety habits
The following actions will be viewed as a serious breach of conduct resulting in the driver being removed from the approved volunteer driving list.
Drinking or being under the influence of drugs whilst driving. Including medications that can cause drowsiness.
Driving whilst disqualified or not correctly licensed.
Reckless or careless driving.
Failing to stop after a collision.
Acquiring penalty points leading to suspension of licence.
Any action that warrants the suspension of a licence
Ensure that your insurers confirm that you are fully insured when driving for AVDS
Never leave the vehicle with the keys in the ignition, take them with you leave the driver’s door open and remain, close to your vehicle.
Ensure that there is sufficient fuel in the vehicle to cover your journey
Ideally only one dementia passenger should be transported, however provided a full risk assessment was carried out a second maybe included. Otherwise, a second volunteer must be recruited.
Responsibility of a Volunteer Driver.
Every Volunteer Driver Must:
Volunteers must hold a current driving licence for the category of vehicle they are driving, and this license is to be carried when driving for AVDS.
They must immediately notify a trustee or their coordinator if their driving licence has been suspended, cancelled, or has limitations placed upon it.
Volunteers must display the highest professional conduct when driving for AVDS.
Regularly check the oil, tyre pressures, radiator and battery levels of their vehicle.
Comply and be familiar with the Highway Code.
Assess hazard’s while driving and anticipate “what if scenarios.
Wear a seat belt and ensure all occupants always wear a seat belt.
Adjust or set sat nav / mirrors car stereos before setting off. If these need to be adjusted, please pull over safely in order to do so.
Report any near misses, crashes and scrapes, including those that result in injury and follow the collision procedures as outlined in this document.
Must not drive when tired
Vehicle Maintenance
Your vehicle must be serviced accord according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Oil, water, tyre pressures should be checked prior to any journey.
Vehicles must not be used if they are defective.
All vehicles to have a current MOT.
Driver Assessment.
All drivers to be assessed bi-annually to confirm their competency.
Safe Driver behaviour.
Mobile phones including hands free must not be used when driving.
All drivers must carry a mobile phone when transporting AVDS passengers. If they do not have one it will be provided.
Driving is limited to local area, any driving beyond the agreed area must be agreed by the appropriate trustee.
The driver must advise AVDS if they become unlicensed.
Should an accident occur whilst transporting AVDS clients.
Immediately stop your vehicle at the scene or as close to it as possible, making sure you are not obstructing traffic.
Apply the handbrake and switch off the engine.
Switch on the vehicle hazard warning lights.
Ensure your own safety first and check your passengers before exiting the vehicle.
If the vehicle is on fire get out immediately and ensure your passengers do the same.
Ensure your dementia passengers stay with the vehicle or move them to a safe area. Stay with them.
Call for assistance if needed.
Try to get the following information
Details of the other vehicle(s) and registration number(s)
Names(s) and address(es) of other vehicle owner(s) and driver(s)
Name(s) and address(es) of any witness(es)
Name(s) of insurers.
Give your name and address and insurance details.
Always keep your dementia passengers safe.
Contact the emergency services
If there are injuries
If there is a disagreement as to the cause of the crash
If you damage property other than your own.
If the damage to the vehicles looks to be substantial
Only move the vehicle
Instructed by a member of the emergency services.
It would be dangerous to others to keep it at its current location.
Any damage is slight and leaving the vehicle in place would cause serious inconvenience to other road users.
It is safe to do so and you have already provided and obtained the names and addresses of all concerned.
If the vehicle cannot be driven,
Make arrangements, for it to be removed.
Phone your AVDS contact and organise safe transport back to your passenger’s home stay with them until their carer arrives.
Ensure all valuables and confidential data are secure.
Breakdowns.
Ensure nothing is done to endanger yourself and others.
Move passengers to the safest location and stay with them. On motorways or other busy roads passengers should be taken on the embankment as far away from traffic as possible.
Move the vehicle off the carriageway onto the hard shoulder if possible. Switch off the engine.
Switch on the vehicles hazard warning lights.
Phone emergency services or your breakdown service.
Phone your AVDS contact and organise safe transport back to your passenger’s home stay with them until their carer arrives.
Edward Newsham 12/01/2022