[Blindtlk] Hiring Drivers.

[Peter Donahue]

Hello Mary and everyone,

    Hay guys I smell a great chapter project here the establishment of a 
driver pool to be used by members needing transportation to areas not 
accessible via public transit.

Peter Donahue


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Mary Mc Gee" <mmcatitude at gmail.com>
To: "'Blind Talk Mailing List'" <blindtlk at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Monday, May 02, 2011 3:15 PM
Subject: Re: [Blindtlk] Hiring Drivers.


Dear Diane and All;

            You're correct that you must be very careful when hiring someone
to drive you.  I'll explain what I do.  I've had good ones and bad ones-the
bad ones don't last long!  I'll say at the outset that my biggest problem
has been drivers who forget whom the boss is and try to play games, e.g., do
little personal errands while their on my clock.

            I've put ads in church bulletins and have good luck there; I've
gotten people who are honest and don't play the games.  I've also put the
word out through organizations to which I belong and I've obtained people
that way, although these people are not quite so good sometimes.  I have a
clearly written agreement that explains what's expected, how much I pay,
confidentially, etc.  They must sign that they fully understand it when
signing the agreement.  I ask them for their social security number.  If
they won't give it, they're done before they start.  If they will give it, I
run a background check to learn what kind of driving record, etc. they have.


            I've been fortunate, I realize, because I have reliable people.
They are handy for shopping or appointments that aren't on the fixed route
or that are when the fixed route doesn't run at night.  The real reason I
live downtown is because all the busses come here; Des Moines has a hub
system.  I can walk a couple of blocks to catch any of the busses I need.

            I think the important thing when hiring drivers is to know that
you can function without them so you can set your standards high.  If you're
confident you can "get by" without them, you'll enjoy the added convenience
of having good ones.  You also need to treat the relationship as a business
one.  Do not become friends; I learned the hard way that, when you become
friends, problems arise.

            Incidentally, I've traded service for driving many times and
it's worked out well because the boundaries are clearly drawn.

Sincerely,

Mary



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