Clients depend on your caregiver employees for many of their daily transportation needs—from medical appointments to grocery shopping and more.

When transporting clients, it’s essential for your caregivers to prioritize their safety and well-being.

In addition to implementing a safe driving program, encourage your caregivers to adhere to the following transportation safety checklist to ensure that both the caregiver and their client enjoy a secure and comfortable journey.

Transportation Safety Checklist for Caregivers

  1. Require seatbelt use every trip. While a fundamental safety measure, ensuring that the client’s seatbelt is secured properly cannot be overstressed. Similarly, make sure that your own seatbelt is secured properly before any journey begins. The shoulder belt should never be placed behind the client’s back or under their arm, as this can significantly reduce its effectiveness in the event of a collision.
  2. Use the backseat. When appropriate, the client should be secured in the back seat. This is particularly important for clients who may be more vulnerable or require additional assistance. The back seat offers an added layer of protection compared to the front seats.
  3. Eliminate all distractions. Keep cell phones out of reach and focus solely on the road. A momentary distraction can lead to serious consequences, so maintaining undivided attention is crucial. Additionally, smoking should never be allowed in the vehicle, as it can be a major distraction and health hazard.
  4. Inspect the vehicle. Before embarking on any trip, conduct a thorough vehicle inspection. Ensure that the vehicle’s tires, lights, wipers and other essential components are in proper working order. Adjust the vehicle mirrors to their correct positions before embarking to provide optimal visibility.
  5. Know where you’re going. Before setting out, utilize hands-free navigation in the vehicle’s infotainment system or your mobile device. Allow plenty of driving time to avoid unsafe speeding behavior and creating unnecessary stress.
  6. Observe all traffic laws. Compliance with speed limits, stop signs and other regulations is essential in maintaining safety on the road.

Additional Transportation Protection from Lockton Affinity

By implementing this comprehensive transportation safety checklist, you are taking significant steps to ensure the safety of both your caregivers and their clients during your travels.

To fully protect your caregivers, clients and your business, you may also need Hired and Non-Owned Auto insurance (HNOA). HNOA provides insurance coverage to business owners for losses that are brought against them involving vehicles they do not own, such as bodily injury and property damage that might occur when an employee transports a client during their duties.

Learn more about this important coverage with our helpful HNOA Guide.

Or request a price indication to see what coverage will look like for your business.