Transportation
Transportation to & from events
Safe transportation of 4-H members is an important consideration when planning programs, activities and outings.
Family responsibility
Transportation to and from 4-H programs, activities, outings and events is the responsibility of the family.
The University of Minnesota has no oversight or responsibility for family organized transportation, including carpooling arrangements and relies on the drivers' compliance with federal, state and local laws.
Liability and accident insurance follows the owner of the vehicle.
Organized transportation
4-H organized transportation may be approved in specific circumstances. If organized transportation is needed, consult with the Local Extension Educator to seek approval and ensure policies and rules are followed.
If a Minnesota 4-H volunteer is providing transportation on behalf of the program, this must be within the scope of the role agreed upon between the Local Extension Educator and the volunteer.
Policies and rules must be followed regarding the leasing and renting of vehicles, chartered buses, and other forms of commercial transportation.
Safe driving expectations must be followed
Vans that hold ten or more passengers can NOT be utilized for transportation.
Everyone must use a seat belt. Never have more people in the vehicle than the number of usable seat belts. Do not allow members to ride in the back of a pickup truck.
Texting, receiving or responding to email, or internet use is prohibited under Minnesota state law.
Ratio of adults to youth must be followed
Best practice when transporting youth is to ensure that a minimum of two adults and two youth are present in the vehicle at all times.
An acceptable alternative and the minimum expectation is one Minnesota 4-H Volunteer and two youth in the vehicle together.
One adult to one youth is never allowed as Extension/4-H organized transportation.
Personal use of vehicles by youth
4-H members may not use a vehicle for personal reasons while participating in a 4-H program (during or in between organized activities) unless prior arrangements have been made.
For 4-H members, written permission from parents/guardians must be granted and the appropriate Day Departure Release Authorization or Housing/Overnight Lodging Release and Authorization form completed and signed as documentation for release of liability. Work with the Local Extension Educator to obtain and complete the appropriate form.
To help prevent unauthorized use of vehicles, a recommended practice is to collect the vehicle keys from 4-H members so they are unable to leave the premises without consulting with the Minnesota 4-H Volunteer/Local Extension Educator leading the 4-H program. Inventory the keys and return keys to the 4-H member at the close of the 4-H program.
Contact
Pat Morreim, program manager, morre002@umn.edu, 763-427-5428