Volunteer Driver Handbook

Welcome to Berthoud’s RAFT (Rural Alternative for Transportation) a citizen driven, neighbor to neighbor program. This handbook was prepared to give volunteer drivers with Rural Alternative for Transportation (RAFT) some essential information about the policies and expectations of RAFT. If you have any questions or concerns about this handbook or the RAFT program, please contact our Project Coordinator.

Thanks for giving your time and talents to help others. We hope that you find volunteering with RAFT a positive and rewarding experience.

Rural Alternative For Transportation Mission

Rural Alternative for Transportation (RAFT) is a volunteer transportation program and a project of the non-profit corporation Berthoud Golden Links, Inc./Berthoud Senior Center. RAFT’s mission is to help Berthoud seniors, aged 60+ years, and adults, aged 18+ with disabilities that prevent them from driving, maintain their independence and remain in their homes as long as is feasible..

Section 1:  RAFT Program Services Description

RAFT provides door-to-door transportation from the rural area of Berthoud (defined by the boundaries of the Berthoud Fire District that are outside of the Town of Berthoud) to connecting transportation systems and the towns of Berthoud, Loveland, Longmont and adjacent areas. In-town seniors and adults with disabilities may also receive transportation services from RAFT from their home in Berthoud into Loveland, Longmont and adjacent areas. These trips occur outside of Berthoud Area Transport Services (BATS)  scheduled service hours into these towns. RAFT volunteer drivers pick up eligible riders using their own vehicles.
For eligible riders living outside of Berthoud town limits, trips are scheduled for any legal purpose – medical and professional appointments, grocery shopping and other errands, recreational and social activities, employment, and volunteer opportunities.  In-town eligible residents are scheduled trips for one of three purposes: medical, employment and educational.
All rides must be scheduled a minimum of three days in advance with priority given for medical travel.  Schedulers are available to schedule rides from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m., Monday through Friday except for holidays.
Volunteer drivers, using their personal vehicles or using the RAFT PARA Van, generally provide rides from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, except for holidays.
RAFT operates through grants from Larimer County Office on Aging,  county and local foundations, contributions from Berthoud merchants, and  tax-deductible donations from individual community members.

Our amazing volunteers ready to pick up riders

Section 2:  Volunteer Requirements

  • Volunteers must have a current, valid driver’s license.
  • Volunteers must drive a clean, safe and dependable vehicle.
  • Volunteers must observe all speed limits and traffic safety laws. RAFT is not responsible for payment of traffic citations or towing charges incurred while driving for RAFT.
  • Volunteer applicants must authorize RAFT to obtain a copy of their driving record from the Department of Motor Vehicles.
  • Volunteer applicants must authorize RAFT to conduct a background check.
  • Volunteers must be at least eighteen (18) years of age or older.
  • Volunteers must agree, if they are requested in certain circumstances, to take a drug test at the expense of RAFT.

Section 3: Insurance and Liability

Volunteers must maintain the minimum automobile insurance required by Colorado State Law. Volunteers must provide RAFT with current proof of insurance in the State of Colorado. It is the volunteer’s responsibility to provide updated proof of insurance to RAFT when the policy renews or when changes are made to the policy, or upon request at any time from RAFT.

The volunteer’s insurance is the primary coverage while driving for RAFT. RAFT through RSVP maintains an umbrella liability insurance policy which provides additional protection to volunteers in the event that the limits of liability of their automobile insurance should be exceeded as a result of an accident that occurred while driving for RAFT.

RAFT volunteers are also protected by the Volunteer Protection Act of 1997, which protects volunteers of nonprofit organizations from liability (not related to driving) as set forth in the Act. (See Appendix A – Volunteer Protection Act of 1997.)

Volunteers’ duties for RAFT include driving their own vehicles or RAFT ADA van, to provide rides for eligible individuals, assisting those individuals in and out of their vehicles as more particularly described in this handbook, and any other duties described in this handbook. Any other actions or activities conducted by a volunteer shall be, and shall be considered to be, outside the scope of their volunteer duties with RAFT, and the volunteer shall be personally liable for any consequences for such actions or activities.

Section 4: Volunteer Benefits

Mileage Reimbursement

Volunteers may claim mileage reimbursement for miles driven for RAFT. Mileage reimbursement request forms are available from the office. Mileage is calculated beginning when the volunteer leaves home or work to begin a shift driving for RAFT and ending when the volunteer returns home or to work at the end of the shift. The rate of reimbursement is $0.32 per mile. Drivers who wish to donate this amount to RAFT may choose not to submit reimbursement requests or drivers may submit reimbursement requests, marked ‘no reimbursement’, and RAFT will give them a record of their contributions at the end of the year.

Volunteer Social and Recognition Event

RAFT hosts a social event each year to show our appreciation for the support and dedication of RAFT volunteers.

Training Support

First Aid Classes

CPR and First Aid classes, although not required, are recommended. RAFT will reimburse the registration fee of any volunteer who takes an approved CPR and/or First Aid class and provides proof of successful course completion.

Defensive Driving Courses

The AARP 55 Alive/Mature Driving Course is also recommended but not required. RAFT will reimburse the registration fee of any volunteer completing the course, (or its equivalent) either in class room setting or online. The volunteer is required to provide proof of successful course completion prior to reimbursement.

Personal Satisfaction

The benefit most often cited by volunteers is the personal satisfaction helping others gives them. They have opportunities to meet fascinating people and form friendships. They have the satisfaction of knowing they are helping others to remain active. They have the satisfaction of ‘giving back’ to the community.

Section 5: Volunteer Driver Job Description

Getting Started

RAFT volunteer opportunities are flexible. Volunteers can choose to drive on a regular basis, for example, one morning a week. Volunteers can also drive on an on-call basis, choose shifts which meet their personal schedules. On-call drivers choose shifts only when it is convenient for them.

RAFT Program Coordinator and staff will schedule volunteer interviews at the homes of persons interested in driving for RAFT. Paper work, including a driver information sheet, background check authorization, permissions for release of individual records from the Department of Motor Vehicles and insurance verification will be filled out at the interview. New volunteers will be added to RAFT following clearance of the background check, driving record, and car insurance verification, and approval by the RAFT Policy Board. A completed application does not guarantee a volunteer will be added to RAFT.

Once added to RAFT, volunteers will be notified and provided with instruction and a volunteer packet which will include magnetic signs for cars, nametag, lanyard, volunteer handbook, driver emergency response directives, ridership policy manual, mileage reimbursement forms, donation envelopes, and information about RAFT, BATS, and other community resources.

The RAFT scheduler will contact new volunteers to discuss what sort of schedule they would like to drive and how they would like to receive their schedules. Schedules are delivered by noon the day before volunteers are to drive. Schedules can be emailed (preferred method) or faxed to volunteers or paper copies can be picked up by volunteers at the Berthoud Area Community Center at 248 Welch Ave., Berthoud. While the RAFT schedulers will do their best to accommodate volunteers’ schedule requests, volunteers are not guaranteed any particular number of hours per week, or any hours at all in any given week. Volunteers may also be given additional hours per week, depending on the circumstances, and if the volunteer consents.

Volunteer drivers who do not have a personal cell phone may check out the use of a RAFT cell phone during their scheduled driving times. Cell phones are to be returned to the RAFT office at the end of the scheduled shift. Failure to timely return the cell phone may result in denial to use the cell phone during future shifts. If the cell phone has not been timely returned, and is not returned immediately upon request, volunteer will be liable for the cost of the cell phone. If any charges are incurred by volunteer for the use of the cell phone that are not related to volunteer’s duties for RAFT, volunteer shall be responsible for all such charges.

On the Road

Visibility

When driving for RAFT, it is important to display the magnetic RAFT signs on both the right and left front-door panels of your car. Non-magnetic signs that can be displayed in windows are also available upon request. The signs help our clients recognize authorized RAFT vehicles. The signs also raise awareness of the RAFT program in our community and are an effective volunteer recruitment tool. The signs should be stored flat when not on your vehicle. Remove signs before taking your vehicle through a car wash.

It is important to wear your RAFT nametag while driving. A nametag is included in the volunteer packet given to new volunteers. Traditional nametags, with pin or magnetic clasps, are made available upon request. The nametags provide additional identification to protect our clients.

Scheduling

Make yourself familiar with your schedule before you drive. You may find websites such as Map Quest and Google Maps or a GPS helpful in planning your shift. You may also call the office for help with directions or any other questions regarding your schedule.

Adhere as closely as possible to the pickup times on your schedule. Clients are asked to be ready ten minutes prior to the scheduled pickup time and to be prepared for drivers to be up to ten minutes late. If you expect to be more than ten minutes late you may call the client to let them know (numbers at pickup and drop off locations are included on your schedule) or you may call the office so that staff can notify clients.

Clients are asked to watch for RAFT drivers and meet you at your car. If this is impractical due to logistics or a client’s need for assistance, it will be noted on your schedule. If a client is not waiting for you when you arrive, please go to the door or into the commercial building and attempt to find the client. If the client does not answer the door or you cannot find them at the pickup location, please notify the RAFT office. We will do our best to determine why the client is not there and make sure any assistance that may be needed is provided. One can anticipate that clients will miss rides. Sometimes they reschedule appointments or find alternate transportation and forget to let us know. Sometimes they just forget they have scheduled a ride. However, if the situation raises concerns for the client’s safety, we can call emergency contacts or ask county authorities to conduct a welfare check.

If a client is not ready to take the ride at the scheduled pickup time, wait as long as you can without disrupting the rest of your schedule, and then continue with your scheduled rides. Sometimes an appointment runs longer than expected. If this occurs and you cannot wait for the client, find out when the appointment is expected to be done. If you can work a return trip into your schedule, try to go back for the client later. Clients are informed that in order to stay on schedule, drivers are not able to wait for riders longer than five minutes past the scheduled pickup time. Clients are also advised to have a back up transportation plan in case unforeseen circumstances cause them to miss a ride with RAFT. As noted above, please call the office to let us know if you were unable to pick up the rider.

If a client does not take a scheduled ride, there may be another driver affected by the schedule change. If you are not able to reach someone at the office to inform us of the change, please try to contact the driver providing the return ride (noted on your schedule) to let them know of the change.

Client Assistance

Some clients may require assistance walking to the car or with seat belts or mobility devices such as canes and walkers. (See Appendix B: Assisting Seniors and Adults with Disabilities.) RAFT volunteers are not expected to provide specialized care of passengers such as lifting or transferring from wheelchairs. You will know prior to your scheduled time that you will be driving the ADAvan. Normally your schedule will be for your personal vehicle. Your schedule will note clients who are known to need assistance. Of course, not all clients need or want assistance. Always ask clients if they need your help.

At the scheduled drop off destination, assist the client as necessary. Do not leave until the client is safely in the building or in his/her home.

Seat Belts Requirement

Clients/Riders and Drivers are required to wear seat belts when using or driving for the RAFT program even in the back seat.  You may refuse to transport a client who will not wear a seat belt.  Please let the staff know if a client will not wear a seat belt. (See Appendix C – Colorado Safety Belt Law.)

Section 6:  Receiving Cash Contributions

RAFT services are free and provided at no set cost to our clients; however, donations from riders are an important part of the RAFT budget.  Drivers are not expected to solicit donations from riders.  However, information about donations is to be provided. Upon inquiry from a client, you can suggest $.30 per mile for a one-way trip. Larger donations are very welcome.  Donations may also be made on our web site: berthoudraft.org. RAFT clients will not be denied rides/trips due to their reluctance or inability to make a donation.

Handling Contributions/Donations from Clients

Should a client want to hand you cash or a check, please give them one of your self- addressed donation envelopes in which to place their contribution.  They may mail the envelope to the RAFT program at P.O. Box 1074, Berthoud CO 80513 or leave it with you for delivery to RAFT.  Write whether the contribution was from a “senior” or “non-senior” and (a) mail it for them, (b) deliver it to the director of the senior center at the Community Center or (c) give it to the RAFT Lead Scheduler or the RAFT Coordinator.  If you run out of donation envelopes, more are available at the office.

Section 7: Rules of the Road

Professional Conduct

RAFT volunteers represent RAFT while driving for the program.  It is important that volunteers conduct themselves professionally and considerately when driving for RAFT.  Remember our clients count on us to be on time, to be considerate of their time through not asking them to wait while drivers conduct personal business, to be polite and respectful.  RAFT requires our clients to show our volunteers the same respect and consideration.

Client Confidentiality

Volunteers must maintain clients’ confidentiality at all times.  It is inappropriate to discuss a client’s name, residence and other personal information with persons other than the RAFT staff or other volunteers for the purpose of providing transportation services.  RAFT recommends that volunteers do not give clients their last names or personal contact information.

Service Limitations

RAFT volunteers are not expected to help clients with household chores.  Volunteers, at their discretion may help clients carry shopping bags into their homes.  If clients ask for assistance outside the scope of the RAFT program, advise them to call the RAFT office.

Unscheduled Stops

Changes to your schedule while in-route should be made only with careful consideration of the consequences to other clients and volunteers.
A client may ask you to make an unscheduled stop, such as at the pharmacy after a medical appointment.  If you can make such a stop without disrupting your schedule, you may do so, but it is not fair to be late to your next client to accommodate this one.  Clients are informed that drivers’ schedules are often too tight to allow extra stops.  If you do make an extra stop, please let the staff know so we can update our records. Each stop is a “trip” for recording purposes, e.g., doctor’s office to pharmacy to home as final destination is two trips not one.
Occasionally clients may ask to be taken to a destination other than the one on the schedule.  If time permits, and you will be picking up the client for the return ride, you may do so.  Remember, if you change destinations and another driver will be providing the return ride (noted on your schedule), the client may be stranded if the next driver goes to the scheduled destination.  If you are able to reach the office or the other driver (driver cell phone numbers are included in the volunteer packet and updated periodically) to let them know of the change, you may grant the client’s request.  Otherwise, you must adhere to the schedule.  If you do make a change of final destination, please let the staff know so we can update our records.
It is always appropriate to decline a client’s request for a change to your schedule.  You may use your discretion in considering such requests, but you are under no obligation to grant them.  Contact the staff if you have any concerns or questions about requests to change your schedule.

Smoking/Alcohol Restrictions

Please do not smoke in your vehicle while driving for RAFT.  Clients are not to smoke in vehicles while riding with RAFT.  If clients insist on smoking, you may refuse to give them rides.  Please let the RAFT staff know if a client insists on smoking.
The use of alcohol and/or the use of illegal or mood-altering drugs by a volunteer driver while providing service for clients of the program is prohibited.  Clients are not to be under the influence of alcohol or other mood-altering drugs when accessing the services of RAFT.

Dealing with the Unexpected

Missed Shifts
If you will be unable to drive your scheduled shift, let the RAFT scheduler know as soon as possible.

Adverse Weather Conditions
Drivers make the decision whether to drive in adverse weather conditions.  If you are not comfortable driving because of weather conditions, contact the RAFT staff as soon as possible so that other arrangements can be made for the clients on your schedule, or the clients can be notified of the ride cancellation.  RAFT is closed for service when the Thompson School District closes due to adverse weather conditions.

Client Conflicts
If you have a problem with a client, complete the ride if possible.  Report the incident to the RAFT staff. [Any incidents serious enough to be reported verbally need to be followed up with a written report.  Incident report forms are in the RAFT office.]  We will investigate the situation and work to make sure it does not happen again.

Missed Directions
If you are unable to find the address on your schedule, call the number at the destination to ask for directions or call the RAFT staff to ask for directions or clarification.  Please report any confusion regarding addresses to the RAFT staff.  Some destinations have more than one entrance.  The scheduler tries to note which entrance to use for pickups and drop offs on the schedule.  If this information is not on the schedule or a client needs to go to an entrance different than the one noted on the schedule, please contact the scheduler so that information on future schedules can be updated.

Medical Emergencies
If a passenger has a medical emergency while riding with you, use your best judgment in responding.  If the passenger is an adult, ask them what they would like to do.  Try to determine the severity of the condition.  Call 911 if you feel you need assistance of medical professionals.  In the case of severe illness or injury, it is almost always better to call for help than to try to transport the client to the hospital in your vehicle. Do not sign for medical expenses.  Explain to authorities how you happened to have brought the patient to their attention.  Please contact the RAFT staff as soon as possible to report the situation.

Mechanical Problems
If you have car problems while you are driving for RAFT, please contact the RAFT staff as soon as possible so that other arrangements can be made for your clients.

Traffic Accidents
If you are involved in a traffic accident while driving for RAFT, your first consideration should be the safety of yourself and your passengers.  Call 911 for police response and medical assistance if necessary.  Even in the case of a minor accident with no injuries and minimal damage to vehicles, call for a police response to report the accident and fill out required forms.
Administer first aid only if qualified to do so.  Do not move injured passengers until emergency personnel arrive unless absolutely necessary.
Exchange insurance information with other drivers involved in the accident.  Do not admit liability or discuss the accident with anyone other than police and the RAFT staff.
Notify the RAFT staff of the accident as soon as possible.  We will make other arrangements for the clients on your schedule.  If you are unable to reach someone at the RAFT office, please call the RAFT Program Coordinator or the Golden Links, Inc. Director at the numbers provided in this handbook and on your list of volunteer cell phone numbers.  If you are unable to reach a RAFT staff member or make other arrangements for clients who were with you at the time of the accident, please get a cab for the clients to complete their trip.  RAFT will reimburse you for this expense.
RAFT will require you to submit an accident report.  An accident report form is included in the volunteer packet.  If you have the ability, document the accident with photographs (e.g., with a camera on a cell phone, personal camera or a throw away camera).

Cell Phone Usage

Individual Driver cell phone numbers are needed by schedulers in case of last minute changes or emergencies. The RAFT scheduler number (970-532-0808) is available all week days (You are encouraged not to share your personal cell phone with your riders.  They also have access to the scheduler 0808 number if they need to get hold of you.)

Drivers can contact RAFT schedulers to let us know about no shows or ask for directions.  But there are concerns about safety when using a cell phone in your vehicle.

It is important to remember that safety is your first responsibility behind the wheel.  RAFT, while not recommending using a mobile phone while driving, has some suggestions about how to do so correctly:

  • Pull over to the side of the road before using your cell phone if you do not have a hands-free device in your vehicle.
  • When available, use a hands-free device –many inexpensive devices are available.  Remember   that these devices do not eliminate all risk – the conversation is still a distraction.
  • Put your phone within easy reach before you start driving.
  • Tell the person who is calling that you are driving and will phone them when you can stop.
  • Dial sensibly – place calls when stopped or before pulling into traffic.
  • Dial 9-1-1 to help others and yourself.
  • Do not look up phone numbers or take notes while driving.
    Realize there are times you should not use your phone while driving – in hazardous weather, heavy traffic, or unfamiliar territory, or when the conversation might be stressful or emotional.
  • It is against Colorado State Law to text while driving.

Section 8: Holiday Observances and RAFT Closings

RAFT observes the following holidays. Transportation is not provided on these days and the office is closed.

  • New Year’s Day ………… January 1
  • Memorial Day …………… Last Monday in May
  • Independence Day ………. July 4
  • Labor Day ………………… First Monday in September
  • Thanksgiving ……………….. Fourth Thursday in November
  • Thanksgiving Friday …….. Friday after Thanksgiving
  • Christmas Holiday ……….. December 24, December 25 and December 26

Holidays that fall on Sunday will be observed the following Monday. Holidays that fall on Saturday will be observed the preceding Friday.

Section 9: Leaving Your Volunteer Assignment

Leave of Absence

If you need to take a leave of absence from your volunteer duties, please let a scheduler know. We will stop E-mails.  Vacation time is encouraged and RAFT staff will schedule around your time off.

Ending Service

A volunteer may decide to end his or her service with RAFT at any time and for any reason.  Notice of the volunteer’s decision to end his or her service should be communicated as soon as possible to RAFT staff. On or before the volunteer’s last day of work, an exit interview may be scheduled.  The interview should ascertain why the volunteer is leaving, suggestions for improving the position and the possibility of future volunteer involvement.
Likewise, RAFT may decide at any time or for any reason, or for no reason, to end volunteer’s service with RAFT.  Notice of RAFT’s decision to end volunteer’s service should also be communicated as soon as possible to volunteer.
At the end of your volunteer service, please return any and all RAFT property in your possession.  RAFT property includes handbooks, magnetic car signs, name tags and lanyards, cell phones, handicapped parking permits and manuals.

Section 10: Non Discrimination Policy

It is the policy and practice of RAFT/Golden Links, Inc. to ensure equal opportunity for all people engaged in or affected by any program sponsored by this organization.  No person shall, on the grounds of race, color, creed, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, or marital status be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be otherwise subjected to discrimination under any program or activity sponsored by RAFT.

Appendix A – Volunteer Protection Act of 1997

The Act provides civil liability protection for non-profit or government volunteers if:
The volunteer was acting within the scope of his/her responsibility. The volunteer was properly licensed, certified or authorized to engage in the activity or practice (if required by the state in which the damage occurred) and those activities were within the scope of the volunteer’s responsibility.
The harm was not caused by willful or criminal misconduct, gross negligence, reckless misconduct or a “conscious, flagrant indifference” to the rights or safety of the individual harmed by the volunteer.
The harm was not caused by the operation of a motor vehicle, aircraft, or other vehicle for which an operator’s license or insurance is required by the state.
The State of Colorado further provides, C.R.S. 13-21-115.5:
(5) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (4) of this section, a plaintiff may sue and recover civil damages from a volunteer based upon a negligent act or omission involving the operation of a motor vehicle during an activity; except that the amount recovered from such volunteer shall not exceed the limits of applicable insurance coverage maintained by or on behalf of such volunteer with respect to the negligent operation of a motor vehicle in such circumstances. However, nothing in this section shall be construed to limit the right of a plaintiff to recover from a policy of uninsured or under-insured motorist coverage available to the plaintiff as a result of a motor vehicle accident.

Appendix B – Assisting Individuals with Disabilities

A number of RAFT clients have physical and mental limitations. If you do not feel comfortable or capable of assisting a person with a disability or someone who is quite infirm, let the scheduler know. Every effort will be made to arrange your schedules so you give rides to clients needing little assistance.

RAFT does not ask volunteer drivers to provide services with their personal vehicles to clients who must use wheelchairs.  This is due to concern for the safety of both the rider and the driver. [Driver’s eligible to drive a lift van will be assigned clients who must use wheelchairs. Volunteers desiring to drive the handicapped accessible van are encouraged to notify RAFT staff]

General Assistance

Always ask your clients what assistance is needed and provide it if possible. Remember many of our clients neither need nor want assistance.
If the person has weakness or paralysis on one side, let them exit the car from their ‘good’ side.
Do not rush the client. Be patient.
Some RAFT riders may be easily unsettled. Drive in a calm, considerate manner. Avoid frequent lane changes or attempting to ‘beat’ traffic signals.
Do not show irritation towards other drivers.

Blindness or Visual Impairment

Speak directly to the person, using a normal tone of voice.
Walk alongside and slightly ahead of the person you are helping.
Let the blind person hold your arm above the elbow when walking; Never hold the person’s arm.
Give verbal cues such as: “There’s a curb here”; You’ll have a step down”; Move two or three steps to your right”; or “The seat belt is at your right hip.”
Assist the person on stairs by guiding a hand to the banister.
When giving help in seating, place the person’s hand on the back or arm of the seat.
Never leave a visually impaired person in an open area. Instead lead the person to the side of a room, to a chair, or to some landmark from which they can  become oriented.
Do not pet a service/guide dog;  it may be distracting.
Do not be afraid to use expressions such as “see you soon”.  Blind persons themselves use such vision-related words and phrases.

Hearing Loss/Deaf/hard of hearing

When speaking, look directly at the client so that he/she might speech read/lip read your conversation.
Speak clearly in a normal tone of voice without shouting; most hearing loss in the elderly pertains to pitch more than volume.  Make sure the person understands what you are saying. Some individuals will pretend to hear you when they really do not.
Repeat as often as necessary. Paraphrasing may help.  If you suspect the message is unclear, ask the person to repeat what you said.
If a client is deaf and not hard of hearing, he/she may need instructions written.  It is wise to carry a note pad and pen/pencil in your car for such occasions.
Always look directly at your client.  Giving instructions while driving is ineffective and can prove distracting.

Speech Difficulties

Speech difficulties by a client may be due to a hearing loss, neurological or physical problems, or simply a foreign accent.
Make sure you understand what is said.  You may want to repeat the message back and ask whether or not you have heard correctly. You may ask the person to repeat what he/she said. If you still do not understand, ask the person to paraphrase or give examples. If the client is stumbling on a word or phrase, give them time to calm down then ask again.
As with clients with hearing impairments, you may wish to use a note pad and ask your client to express oneself in writing.
Clarify with family whether or not the client has an alternative communication mode, e.g., picture system, alphabet system, electronic communication device.

Questionable Memory or Judgment

This is far less common than most people think, but here are some suggestions if you suspect memory or judgment is a problem.
Verbally cue the client and repeat instructions or expectations more than once.
Wait a few moments and repeat a question when you think the answer may be questionable.
If the person seems frustrated due to an inability to remember something, change the topic of conversation, wait a while before asking again.
Use patience and encouragement with our clients. RAFT staff will try and schedule shifts without forcing you to hurry.  Please let us know when you encounter needs that we have failed to note on your schedule so that we might update our information.  Thank you.

Appendix C – Colorado Safety Belt Law

The following sections are quoted from the Colorado Driver Handbook.

7.3      COLORADO’S SAFETY BELT LAWS (C.R.S. 42-4-237 AND 42-2- 105.5)

Colorado’s Safety Belt Law requires that a fastened safety belt must be worn in all motor vehicles, that were factory equipped with a safety belt system, while in operation on public roadways by. . .

  • The driver.
  • Every front seat passenger.
  • Every child between the ages of 8 and 16 seated anywhere in the vehicle.
  • Occupants in motor vehicles driven by persons under 18 shall be properly restrained or wear seat belts as required by 42-4-236 and 42- 4-237.

For children see Colorado’s Child Passenger Protection law. The only exceptions are:

  • Emergency personnel.
  • Passenger buses and school buses.
  • Farm equipment.
  • Motorcycles.
  • Driver of delivery vans on the job.
  • Anyone carrying a written medical statement from a physician stating why s/he is not physically or psychologically required to wear the safety belts.

Always wear both shoulder and lap safety belts low and tight.

7.4      COLORADO’S CHILD PASSENGER PROTECTION LAW (C.R.S.42-4-236)

Children are required, by law, to be properly fastened into an appropriate child restraint system. If a parent is not in the motor vehicle, it is the responsibility of the driver to ensure that each child is properly fastened into one of the following:
Children less than one year of age, and less than 20 pounds, in a rear-facing child restraint system in a rear seat of the vehicle.
Children one year of age or older, but less than 4 years of age and less than 40 pounds, in a rear-facing or forward-facing child restraint system.
Children under 8 years of age, being transported in a motor vehicle in this state, shall be properly restrained in a child restraint system, according to the manufacturer’s  instructions.
Children at least 8 years of age, but less than 16 years of age, being transported in a motor vehicle in this state shall be properly restrained in a safety belt or child restraint system according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
According to the National Safety Council:

  • Never place an infant in a rear-facing child safety seat in the front seat of a vehicle with a passenger side air bag.
  • Children should ride, in the appropriate child restraint system, in the back seat. This eliminates the possibility of airbag-related deaths or injuries and studies show that children are up to 29% safer in the back seat.

(Note: RAFT does not provide transportation for children less than 8 years of age because of safety and liability concerns. The variety of makes and models of child restraint systems and the difficulty of transferring them between vehicles make this policy necessary.)

Appendix D – Transportation Options

RAFT  (Berthoud’s Rural Alternative For Transportation) is a personal on- demand transportation service that augments services provided by BATS and FLEX to and from Berthoud and to and from Loveland and Longmont. RAFT provides door -to-door transportation for older persons (60+) and adults with disabilities who cannot drive. RAFT programs operate for eligible clients living within the Berthoud Fire District but outside of BATS jurisdiction. Eligible RAFT clients may be driven to connect with available and appropriate transportation services serving other communities or directly to sites in Berthoud, Loveland, Longmont and adjacent areas when public transportation is inappropriate. RAFT schedulers will check on availability of  transportation options.
Raft operates through contribution of riders, local citizens, area businesses and foundations, and the Larimer County Office on Aging. For more information call Berthoud Area Community Center at (970) 532-2730.

BATS   (Berthoud Area Transport Services) is a demand response service providing door-to-door service for residents within its designated service area (Highway 287 on north and west, CR-4E on south and CR1 on east.) Buses begin pick up at 8 am and stop at 4 pm for in Berthoud trips. Out of town trips are provided as follows: Monday morning—Longmont, Tuesday through Friday mornings – Loveland.  Thursday afternoon 11:30 till 3 pm. Seniors (60+) are not required to pay but donations are encouraged (i.e., $1.00 for one way in town trips, $4.00 for one way out of town trips). BATS  is open to non-seniors on a fee basis. Rural residents may connect with BATS at the Berthoud Community Center. To schedule service or request information contact Berthoud Town Hall at (970) 532-2643.

FLEX is a single bus route serving stops between Fort Collins and Longmont, made possible through a regional partnership among Northern Colorado cities and counties. FLEX offers a variety of options to maximize convenience and accessibility to communities in Northern Colorado. During peak morning and evening times, an express bus route serves primary stops between Fort Collins and Longmont. Mid-day, FLEX provides a basic service between Fort Collins and Loveland. All buses stop in Berthoud. The FLEX bus stops are located on Mountain Avenue between Third and Second Streets. Flex busses stop on a regular schedule both going north and going south from Berthoud. Schedules are available online at http://www.flexnoco.com/schedule,

Connecting Health Van is a free service that takes riders to designated medical locations in Fort Collins, Loveland and Greeley from the Medical Center of the Rockies in Loveland. The van runs Monday through Friday. The Connecting Health van’s route goes from Poudre Valley Hospital (PVH) to the University of Colorado Health Harmony Campus (in Fort Collins); then to Medical Center of the Rockies (MCR) (in Loveland); to Greeley Emergency and Surgery Center, the Greeley Medical Clinic (GMC) and back to MCR, Harmony, and PVH. It runs the full route three times a day and an additional shortened route to the Fort Collins and Loveland facilities in the late afternoon.
Signs are posted at each facility noting pick-up and drop-off locations. Those locations will include indoor waiting areas in case of bad weather. The purpose of the service is to provide free rides for those who have medical appointments at those designated locations and need transportation, though anyone can use the service. Riders must be able to get on and off the van by themselves; no medical assistance will be available. Riders do not need to schedule a ride. The van cannot accommodate riders with wheelchairs. The drivers are employees of the Columbine Health Systems transportation department. For more information call 970-495-8560.