Trip Tips

for Volunteer Drivers and Program Riders

Q.    What is TRIP?

A.    TRIP is an award-winning supplemental transportation program for seniors (STP), operated by the non-profit Independent Living Partnership, since 1993, throughout the 7200 square miles of Riverside County.  TRIP, short for the Transportation Reimbursement and Information Project, was designed in collaboration with social service agencies, transportation interests, and the non-profit Partnership.

        By design, TRIP first provides an essential coordination service through the 1-800 HelpLink department of the Riverside County Office on Aging. Trained information specialists discuss transportation and other needs with callers and make referrals to providers who can assist them.  If callers are referred to TRIP, needed transportation is provided by encouraging ridesharing through mileage reimbursements to volunteer friends and neighbors for transporting individuals who cannot otherwise meet their travel needs.

Q.    I think one of my neighbors needs TRIP assistance.  How can I get them enrolled in the program?

A.    If they live in Riverside County California and are and older adult or younger with verifiable disabilities, they may be eligible for TRIP Program assistance.  Ask them, or help them, to call HelpLink at the Office on Aging at 1-800-510-2020 to talk with a Services Specialist about their transportation needs.

Q.    I was approved for TRIP assistance, but am having trouble asking people if they could volunteer to drive for me.

A.    It is the “American Way” to try to be completely self-sufficient.  We don’t want to “impose” or “be a burden” - asking someone to help would be embarrassing – they might say “no”.  In fact, it is a false belief that we must be totally self-sufficient to be independent.  None of us have the skills and resources we need all of the time.  We are dependent on others – doctors, farmers, manufacturers, our communities, our families, and our friends.  Everyone needs help sometimes…. It is your turn.  When people have asked you for help, have you said NO?  There is someone near who would like to say yes to you too!

Q.  My insurance agent told me that I am not covered by my auto policy if I receive mileage reimbursement for being a volunteer driver.  Is this true? 

A.  Your volunteer service with the TRIP Program cannot affect your insurance in any way.  A few agents may be  badly misinformed.  The California Insurance Code requires personal auto liability policies to include coverage of volunteer drivers who are providing TRIP travel assistance for those who need it.  We suggest that you refer your agent to Cal Ins Code § 11580.1 (2007):

Subsection (f) reads [in part]: “... no policy of automobile liability insurance... shall be issued, amended, or renewed in this state if it contains any provision that expressly or impliedly excludes from coverage under the policy the operation or use of an insured motor vehicle by the named insured in the performance of volunteer services for a nonprofit charitable organization or governmental agency by providing social service transportation. This subdivision shall not apply in any case in which the named insured receives any remuneration of any kind other than reimbursement for actual mileage driven in the performance of those services... ‘social service transportation’ means transportation services provided by private nonprofit organizations or individuals to either individuals who are   senior citizens or individuals or groups of individuals who have special transportation needs because of physical or mental conditions and supported in whole or in part by funding from   private or public agencies.”

Please contact TRIP if  you would like us to discuss this matter with your agent.

Q.    I would like to volunteer to be a driver for TRIP—how can I do that?

A.    TRIP volunteers tell us that they begin because they want to help other people, but find it satisfying and continue to drive because they enjoy it, have time, and they see helping friends and neighbors as giving back to the community or making “advance payment” for the time they can no longer drive.  If you live in Riverside County you can apply to be a Volunteer Driver for TRIP by calling 1-800-510-2020 - ask to talk with TRIP staff.

Q.    Am I “on call” as a volunteer or will I have set  hours?

A.    The amount of time you want to commit to being a volunteer driver is up to you.  Arrangements for travel are made directly with your riders, as mutually convenient.

Q.    What is my liability as a Volunteer Driver for TRIP?  Does my insurance cover me when I drive a neighbor to the doctor?

A.    This is a very common question.  There is no more liability for you as a volunteer driver using your own car than there is when you drive friends to the shopping center or out for lunch.  Your auto insurance covers those      riding in your car and TRIP adds extra insurance too. 

    Others have also asked this question, so we put it to Chuck Hewitt, Vice President of Claims at the Nonprofit Insurance Alliance of California.  “A volunteer driving their own personal vehicle on the nonprofit's business (such as with TRIP) and receiving mileage reimbursement would look first to their own personal vehicle insurance. The "vehicle for hire" exclusion would not apply in these circumstances. If the nonprofit had non-owned automobile coverage, (which TRIP does) that policy would apply excess over the volunteer's personal policy.”

    We also put the same question to the California Department of Insurance and were told that an auto insurance policy is basically a “standard contract” that does not allow the purchaser of the service to negotiate either the services that are received or the amount that is paid for the service (the premium), and that, unless coverage is specifically excluded by a policy, passengers of a volunteer driver are covered. 

    Then we talked with our own attorney about the question, and he said “A contractual ambiguity will be interpreted against the drafter of the contract” - in other words, he agreed that if coverage of a volunteer is not specifically excluded by the auto policy, they are covered!  We are not aware of any policy that specifically excludes coverage of a passenger in a volunteer driver’s vehicle.

 Q.    Does the Volunteer Act of 1997 (Public Law 105-19) protect me from liability as a Volunteer Driver for TRIP?

A.    Volunteers for a non-profit 501(c)3, like TRIP, and volunteers for government entities, like school districts, are protected from law suites under the provisions of the Volunteer Protection Act of 1997.

    In the 1980s, many volunteers were being sued for non-criminal activities that had inadvertently brought harm to another.  A famous case was the little league volunteer coach who was sued because he repositioned his Little League shortstop to the outfield, and in the outfield the Little League shortstop then misjudged a fly ball and sustained an eye injury.

    Many felt that something had to be done because the willingness of volunteers to offer their services was being eroded by the potential for liability actions against them.

    Senator Paul Coverdell introduced the bill that found immediate bipartisan co-sponsors and wide support.  According to then Senator Ashcroft, “The history of this country is that we have not only protected our family, we have enriched our families by helping our neighbors because we have been taught one of the most important values of life, that is, that we are not alone, that we live together in community.”  Most everyone in the 105th Congress agreed.

    According to Lisa A Runquist, an attorney specializing in non-profit organizational law, “The Act generally provides that, if a volunteer meets certain criteria, he or she has a complete defense to an action and has no liability.”

Under the Act, a “volunteer” is anyone who:

1. performs services (including officers, directors, trustees, and direct service volunteers);

2. for a nonprofit organization or governmental entity; and

3. receives no compensation other than reasonable reimbursement for expenses incurred and does not receive anything of value in lieu of compensation of more than $500 per year. [NOTE:  Mileage reimbursement at a rate that does not exceed the current IRS Standard Rate is a “reasonable reimbursement”.]

    The Act does not provide liability cover for someone who commits a criminal act while volunteering, nor does it protect a volunteer for harm resulting from “gross negligence, reckless misconduct, or a conscious, flagrant indifference to the rights or safety of the individual harmed by the volunteer”.

    Additionally, the Act excludes coverage for automobile accidents and stipulates that protection for driving accidents is otherwise provided by State requirements that drivers be appropriately licensed and that drivers “maintain insurance”.  

    As when TRIP’s volunteer drivers have other family or friends riding with them,  their automobile liability insurance policy covers injuries for which they may be responsible and also provides for a legal defense if another party in the accident files a lawsuit against them.

    For this reason, the TRIP Program verifies that volunteer drivers have a license in good standing and in-force insurance.  TRIP then provides additional, what is called, non-owned auto insurance through an organizational  umbrella policy.

Q.    How does the TRIP mileage reimbursement plan work?

A.    People who live in Riverside County California, who are 60 years of age or greater, or who are younger but have disabilities, may be eligible to participate in the TRIP Program if they are unable to travel to meet their needs in other ways.  A mileage reimbursement is paid to help offset vehicle operation expenses for volunteers who escort and drive people who are enrolled in TRIP.  As a general rule, the reimbursement is paid to the TRIP participant, who then is able to divide up the reimbursement among the volunteers who helped during the month.  If the participant does not give the reimbursement to their volunteer, they may lose their eligibility to continue on the program.

Q.    How can I make sure that the TRIP mileage reimbursement check comes on time each month?

A.    Complete the Request for Mileage Reimbursement form each time that you travel.  The volunteer driver needs to sign each travel record to verify that they have provided the service and made sure that the record is complete and accurate.  The Program Rider and their Volunteer Driver should then work together to make sure the Request for Mileage Reimbursement form is mailed to us within the first couple of days of the new month, no later than the 5th.  Make it a priority and send it right away as soon as the month ends.

Q.    Since I have been a TRIP volunteer driver for my friend, I have seen a real change for the better in her attitude.  She is much more interested in things and optimistic about her future.  How can I tell people about this wonderful program?

A.    We are so happy to hear that your neighbor is enjoying the companionship and travel assistance that you are providing.  It does make such a difference in our lives when we regain the freedom to get around again. We encourage you to tell others about the program.  You can go to our website at www.livingpartnership.org and download and print fliers to handout or post.  Thank you for your help!

Q.    What if I am driving along a two-way street or road and another car veers into my lane and comes right at me?

A.    Almost anything is better than a head-on collision.  If you respond by moving to the left, it is very possible that the oncoming driver might realize what is happening and swerve back into their lane at the last minute.  If they do and your vehicle is also there the result will not be good.  The best thing to do in this situation is to try to move right as far as possible and blow your horn at the same time.  If a collision cannot be avoided, brake as hard and fast as you can—every mile per hour of your speed that you reduce will lessen the impact of the crash.  [SOURCE: National Safety Council]

Q.    What should I do if I have a tire blow out?

A.    Sudden tire blow out is a jarring experience.  Remain calm.  If one of the front tires blows, the car will pull hard to the side of the blowout and the steering wheel will vibrate very hard.  DO NOT SLAM ON THE BRAKES.  Place your hands firmly at the 9 o’clock and 3 o’clock positions on the steering wheel and hold on tight!  Take your foot off the gas and concentrate on staying in your lane.  When you take your foot off the gas, you will slow down gradually—then pull over to the side or off the road safely.  If a rear tire blows the vehicle will weave back and forth and vibrate.  Just do the same thing: remain calm, do not brake, firm grip on the wheel at 9 and 3, foot off the gas, pull to side or off road safely.

Q.   What can be done to help me maintain personal independence?

A.    Independent living involves planning and action. The most important thing you can do is set goals and plan for the future.  As we become older, independent living can present more of a challenge. We have to adapt to our changing abilities.  It is essential to remain willing to do what it takes to accomplish daily goals that make it possible to stay independent, as difficult as that might be.  Paradoxically, this may actually include asking for assistance when we need it, but then doing what is needed to make the assistance work for us.

Q.    What can I do, as an authorized TRIP rider, to keep my Volunteer drivers?

A.    Think of your volunteers as friends — be considerate; be respectful.  Don’t expect them to jump when you call. Try to schedule travel when you know your volunteer is available and when it is mutually convenient.  Plan ahead— group things in the same area for the same day.  Be thankful for what your volunteer does — say Thank You. Any kindness works wonders!

Q.    Why isn’t the mileage reimbursement that TRIP pays volunteer drivers reportable as income?

A.    Here’s what the IRS told us: “So long as adequate records are kept and submitted in a timely manner, and so long as the amount of the per mile reimbursement payment does not exceed the IRS Standard Rate then in effect, the mileage reimbursement payment, made to volunteer drivers, is an expense reimbursement only and non-reportable by the volunteer as income.

Q.    I am a TRIP rider and I had an argument with my volunteer driver.  Can I just not give her the mileage reimbursement for last month?

A.    NO.  The volunteer driver who assisted you with travel during the month that is being reimbursed must be paid for their mileage.  Any dispute that might have developed between the two of you since the month of travel does not change the fact that the volunteer driver is due the mileage reimbursement payment.   This is a TRIP policy.  Each month, when you certify the accuracy of the travel report by signing the Request for Mileage Reimbursement form, you are agreeing that you will “...abide by all TRIP policies and understand that failure to do so may result in my becoming ineligible for continued participation in the program.”

Q.    I am a TRIP volunteer driver and recently one of my riders kind of annoyed me by talking down to me and ordering me  around.  It  doesn’t seem to me that I should have to take this kind of abuse?

A.    NO.  Of course not.  Our volunteers are not our servants, they are our friends.  Friends are respectful of each other.  We do not order friends around and we do not demand things from friends.  To have a friend requires us be a friend, and friends are always considerate of each other’s feelings. Friendship is a two-way street.  If your rider mistreats you, remind them that you are a friend and that you expect to be treated as a friend.  If that doesn’t work, maybe it is time that they got a new volunteer. 

    The same goes if a volunteer is not respectful of a rider — the rider should remind the volunteer that they expect to be treated as a friend, and if that doesn’t work, maybe it is time for the rider to get a new volunteer driver.  There are sometimes when it is just best to move on.

Q.    Are problems between volunteer drivers and program riders common?

A.     NO.  Last year 760 TRIP Volunteer Drivers provided 82,406 one-way trips of assisted transportation and over 74,500 hours of service and the number of problems reported can be counted on less than one hand.  Still, it doesn't hurt to be reminded that TRIP is a "Volunteer Friends" program that depends on good old fashioned social values:  neighborliness, warmth and caring.  In focus groups conducted with TRIP Riders, we were told over and over again that volunteers were their "angels".  Volunteer Drivers told us that their time driving was fulfilling and enjoyable.

Q.   I am a new TRIP rider.  How do I make appointments and arrange for rides?

A.    The way TRIP works, travel is arranged as “mutually convenient” for the rider and the volunteer.  You call up your volunteer and ask if they will be able to take you on such and such a day at whatever time.  If not, the volunteer may say, “No, I am busy then, but I could take you on the next day anytime.”  Often your volunteer has other things to do that will affect when they can help you:  ask your volunteer if there are days and times that are more convenient for them and make your appointments accordingly.  Sometimes this means telling the appointment clerk at the doctor’s office that the “only days I can get a ride are Tuesdays and Thursdays in the afternoons (or whatever) and I will need to have my appointment then.”  Whenever possible, check with your volunteer for their availability before you schedule an appointment.  For example, if they are with you, ask them to get involved in scheduling the next appointment.

Q.   I am a new TRIP rider and I have two neighbors who are my volunteer drivers.  I am sure that the mileage reimbursement that TRIP provides helps them pay for their gas, but I would like to do more to show them how thankful I am.

A.    A hearty “Thank You!” is always welcome.  Can you send them a thank you card?  Maybe you can give them something you have baked, or flowers, or vegetables from your garden?  How about inviting them to lunch, or to have an ice tea?  Any kindness works wonders.  When people feel appreciated, they will want to help you more!

MORE TO COME..................................................... 

If you are a TRIP Volunteer Driver or a Program Rider and you have a question, please send it to us.......................................  We would love to hear from you!!