1. Assign church transportation issues to a deacon or church leader that includes upgrading, care, drivers, schedule of preventative maintenance, trip checklists, etc.

2. Use the same mechanic and repair shop for preventative maintenance of all of your church vehicles.

3. Keep a detailed list of qualified drivers that shows their driving records and their placement on your church’s insurance list.

4. Develop a pre-trip checklist for drivers that includes fluids check, tire pressure check, tire inspection, weight limit considerations, distribution of weight with a trailer, trailer hitch, light inspection and others.

5. Establish and enforce guidelines that are reviewed before every trip, such as seatbelt use, noise level, no hands outside vehicle, no throwing items inside or out, no standing or walking around while vehicle is moving, etc.

6. Take a cell phone along on every trip for emergency calls.

7. Have radios (walkie talkies) available when multiple vehicles travel together.

8. For long and late-night trips, have designated drivers that are rested, alert and awake rather than a main leader who may be weary from ministry.

9. Assign two “sit-up-front” people to converse with the driver during a late-night or tiring journey.

10. Join a traveler’s club for the purpose of roadside assistance.

11. Keep emergency numbers and other important contact numbers, insurance card, and registration in an easily accessible but permanent location in the vehicle.

12. Leave a list of names and phone numbers at the church of everyone on the trip for contact purposes in case of delay or emergency.

13. Have a plan for someone to call all households in case of delay or emergency.

14. Annually review the transportation needs of the church and invest regularly by updating your church vehicles and trailers.

15. Have prayer before every trip for traveling mercies and protection. Plus, encourage others at home to pray for your church groups when they travel.