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Guide to Safe Scouting: Transportation
Please use the framework here in addition to the SAFE Transportation Checklist and Pre-Trip Inspection for all transportation to and from Scouting activities. The Scouter Code of Conduct includes: When transporting Scouts, I will obey all laws, comply with Youth Protection guidelines, and follow safe driving practices.
Q. How do the Barriers to Abuse apply to transportation?
A. The official policy states in number 5 that “youth drivers are prohibited.” This means that youth are not allowed to drive as part of an official BSA Activity. Youth can, with their parent’s permission and if allowed by state law, drive to and from unit meetings because the official activity either has not begun or has already ended. This youth may also drive other youth, with their parent’s permission and if allowed by state law, to and from official scout activities. Please remember that Scouting youth (under age 18) are not insured under the Boy Scouts of America commercial general liability policy. Transportation guidance can be found in the Guide to Safe Scouting.
Q. How do the Barriers to Abuse apply to transportation?
A. An adult may not drive or be alone in the car with a Scout unless that Scout is their own child. An adult may drive two or more Scouts.
Can 18-year-old Scouts transport other Scouts, if so, what are the qualifications for this?
A. Yes. Drivers must be currently licensed and at least 18 years of age. Scouting youth (under age 18) are not insured under the Boy Scouts of America commercial general liability policy. Transportation guidance can be found in the Guide to Safe Scouting.
Review complete safety measures at: https://www.scouting.org/health-and-safety/gss/gss11/
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