As a coach of a high school basketball team in Prince George, I am often forced to choose the method of transportation for out of town tournaments.

When weather conditions are ideal, and when sports teams are required to travel significant distances (more than four hours at a time) most northern teams travel by car, van or truck with volunteer drivers. As a rule, this is the usual and accepted practice.  

 

However, winter conditions create hazardous roads and therefore travel options may also include: airplane, train, bus or limousines. Okay, I am stretching it a little with limos.

Although I'm not a great fan of flying, planes save time, and are very safe. Of course, if affordable, most sports teams would choose to travel in this manner. However, this is an expensive option, unless it’s a one-time journey.

 

Transportation by train is luxurious, safe and reliable. However, a ride, by train, takes too much time, with many stops along the way.

 

Realistically, teams are forced with choosing between a bus and cars. My decision in the winter is to travel on a bus, with a professional driver. Obviously, the main reason for this choice is SAFETY. There are other benefits as well such as team unity (for bonding, and discussing of team issues etc).

 

Many teams, regardless of what time of year, still have coaches, parents or volunteers drive their own vehicles. Groups make that decision because it is less expensive.

 

Let's say it costs each player $200 to travel with a professional driver on a bus for a roundtrip from PG to Kamloops. This figure is reduced to $100, if the decision is to travel in three different cars, with volunteer drivers. Is this $100 saving in the best of interest of that student athlete? I realize that it is expensive playing on a competitive team and travel certainly adds to the expense, but there are other ways to cut corners.

 

I'm similar to others and like to save a buck here and there. So, why would I choose the bus and pay more?   Peace of Mind! I also feel more relaxed, especially knowing that there is a driver, who is rested, and is experienced in extreme and inclement weather conditions. Furthermore, bus companies have to follow strict rules and regulations in order to maintain their vehicles. Can the same always be said for cars driven by volunteers?

 

This issue will continue to be debated. Although it may seem insignificant to the general public, it is vital to those on the team. There really isn’t a right, or a wrong answer, but for my money, and particularly when I’m making a decision for a group of youths, safety will always come first.

This season, my basketball team traveled to tournaments in Kamloops and Kelowna. Last season was the same with Clearwater an added trip. We went to all by bus, a decision that was not difficult. 

 

Each winter there are far too many accidents on the road. The New Brunswick government recently suspended the use of 15-seat passenger vans to transfer students to and from school following that horrific crash that killed seven students and a teacher from Bathurst, N.B., in 2008.

 

Just last week, Salmon Arm Silverbacks bus driver Tony Mortimer died from injuries sustained in a two-vehicle accident on the Coquihalla Highway. Fortunately, Mortimer was the only occupant of the charter bus, which bears the team name.

 

Yes, accidents occur on a bus, but the percentage of a mishap is lower than it is with private vehicles. Safety is not guaranteed, but I certainly feel confident taking my chances on a bus. 

 

 

  

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