The Group Vehicle
If you get a vehicle for the whole group to use, myriad problems arise with maintenance and accountability. In a large, high-density city, FNB driving is often a heroic undertaking. Even if you use personal vehicles driving may become complicated. Some suggestions:
* Split a driving shift with a reliable partner or drive in teams of two or more while one drives, one runs in and sets or drops off stuff
* Have one or more dependable households or persons "guard" the vehicle; such as someone with a permanent driveway or parking space in a central location This person should have keys and paperwork on the vehicle.
* Call the person who needs the vehicle next and tell him/her where it is. Communicate till it hurts!
* Many people think they know how to shift well but grind all along the route. Make sure everyone is comfortable with stick.
* Don't get parking tickets. When you get them anyway see if you can do community service for them.
* Have someone be responsible for dealing with breakdowns arid when it gets towed. It will probably be the person who was responsible for it when it got towed or broke down.
* Avoid people with severe addictions or functional limitations driving or working on the vehicles. It is usually better to pay going rates for labor.
* If someone "borrows" the vehicle for days and disrupts the routine, do not let them drive or have access to keys. Hold everyone accountable for their actions.
* Drivers should never abandon the vehicle. Tolerance is wonderful; disruption is not!
* Using your own vehicle is tax deductible at $0.1/4 per mile. Keep accurate documentation. This is no joke. The government counts this as charitable work. Fuck charity, this is protest. But definitely pay the government less in taxes...
* Remember, the van will not run unless the driver knows where it is. Gas helps too!
