Transportation Safety

Vehicle safety should be one of our primary concerns when transporting girls as part of the Girl Scout program. The Safety Group for Girl Scout Councils developed an auto safety module that is part of the Girl Scout Safety Wise document. Review the checklists and responsibilities of drivers and passengers, and remind them they all have responsibilities to help ensure a safe trip. (If you do not know where to find Safety Wise, contact your council or local service unit. Most councils publish Safety Wise on their websites.)


Make sure you have filed all necessary paperwork and received authorization for the trip. Contact your council or local service unit for assistance if necessary.

Make sure every driver and passenger are protected with a functioning seatbelt.

Follow your state laws requiring car seats and/or booster seats for girls, according to height and weight.

Check with your council regarding the use of 15 passenger vans. Most councils prohibit the transportation of girls in 15 passenger vans due to vehicle rollover and other safety issues.

All drivers must be registered as Adult Volunteers. They should provide you with a copy of their driver's license, car registration, and current auto insurance card prior to the trip. Girls registered as a girl member can NEVER drive other girls.

A First Aid kit should be in your car at all times and a currently certified Troop First Aider must accompany the group. Girls and adults should know where the First Aid kit is.

Any medications going along with girls or adults must be in their original containers, labeled with product identification, prescribing doctor, and directions for administration. Medications for girls should be kept by the leader or First Aider. Discuss protocol for Epi Pens (for severe allergic reactions) and injectable insulin (for diabetes) with parents prior to the trip.  Know what your council's policy is for administration of any injectable medications.

Carry a "Go Packet" with you.  A simple 2-pocket folder can serve as your "Go Packet" to be carried with you whenever you are transporting girls anywhere. In the folder, include the following:

• Copies of all drivers' licenses, car registrations, and auto insurance card
• Health cards and emergency contacts for all girls AND ADULTS accompanying you
• Roster and emergency contact information for all girls and adults accompanying you
• Contact information for the adult(s) at home who agreed to be the Troop Emergency Contact for this trip
• Trip itinerary
• Girl Scout Accident Report information with your council’s emergency contact number
• Girl Scout Insurance Claims forms (contact your council or local service unit if you do not have a copy)