The church bus/van ministry program can be a rewarding ministry for the church as an extension of the church into the community. It can also present some serious problems if not properly supervised and controlled.

These suggestions are given to maintain a safe and successful bus/van ministry program. They are not designed to influence a decision on whether or not to have a bus/van ministry.

Driver Selection
Driver selection is the No. 1 task in the development of a successful bus/van program. Up to 90 percent of all bus/van accidents result, at least in part, from driver error. Drivers should be mature, responsible and in excellent physical and mental condition. A flawless personal driving record is very important — no tickets, no violations — and the driver should demonstrate extreme dedication to safe driving.

All potential drivers need to be screened by the bus/van committee to make certain that proper driving tests have been passed with current driving credentials in hand. Van and bus drivers are required to have a commercial driver’s license (CDL) if they operate vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating of more than 26,000 pounds or vehicles designed to transport more than 15 persons including the driver.

A few major considerations for drivers are:
 * Age--25 to 65 only

* Good physical condition—Physician’s report

* Experience--Reference check and road test

* License--Proper licensing credentials

* Driving Record--Motor vehicle record checked annually

* Attitude--Capable of dealing with traffic, passengers and emergencies

No one should be permitted to drive a church vehicle if the person has two moving violations or one “at fault” accident in the past 36 months. There should be no exceptions.

Vehicle Maintenance
Make sure the bus/van complies with the state requirements for lights, equipment and color.

Each bus/van must be given a thorough mechanical and physical inspection by a qualified mechanic prior to operation. The checklist needs to include but is not restricted to the chassis, all lights, body exhaust systems, interior, brakes, tires and steering.

Pre-Trip Inspection
Each time a vehicle is used, the following should be checked: fluid levels, belts, tires, exhaust, lights, brakes and the interior of the bus.

Safety Equipment
Fire extinguisher, first aid kit, flags, flares, fuses and triangular signs must be carried in the vehicle at all times.

Speed Limit
Be sure the driver is aware of the laws of all states governing the speeds on streets and highways where the bus/van will be operated.

Supervision of Passengers
Control of occupants must include taking action to protect passengers who exit the bus/van. Check to make sure all passengers are safely away from the vehicle before starting up again. Do not exceed bus/van passenger limits.

Children aboard a church bus/van must be adequately supervised — check local and state regulations. The driver cannot assist in supervising the passengers and adequately operate the vehicle at the same time.

Church Policy
Each time a vehicle is used, its use must be in compliance with policies and regulations set forth and adopted by the church.

Insurance
Bodily injury and property damage limits should normally exceed state minimum requirements. Limits should be high enough to safeguard the church against financial disaster due to inadequate limits.

Registration with Federal Highway Administration
Some church vehicles and drivers are subject to federal regulations. These regulations require churches to register with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), meet driver qualification standards, and complete  annual vehicle inspections, if they: (1) use a vehicle designed to carry more than 15 passengers (including the driver) or the vehicle is greater than 10,000 pounds, and (2) transport passengers interstate (across state lines).

Even if passengers are not transported across state lines, churches may be subject to similar state regulations.

Lending or Renting Your Vehicle
Many groups and/or organizations may ask to borrow or rent your church vehicle. Major church insurers suggest that you do not loan or lease your vehicles. They simply suggest that if you want to help, assist them financially in leasing or chartering a vehicle from a rental agency rather than running the risks associated with loaning your church vehicle.

If you choose to loan or rent your church vehicle, here are some issues to consider:

* Your church may be held fully liable for damages caused by the negligent operation of the vehicle.

* The church policy covers you and your church, but may not adequately cover the user-group outside your church. The vehicle user-group may assume that it has complete liability protection under your policy.

* If the user-group damages your vehicle, it most likely will expect your church to turn in the damages under your insurance rather than pay the damages out of its own pocket.

* When you loan your vehicle, you lose all supervisory control over who may drive the vehicle and how it is operated and maintained.

The wisest practice is not to loan or lease your church vehicle. If you do, however, here are some basic guidelines you should follow:

* Check with your insurance agent to verify coverage provided by your insurance policy for such exposure.

* Specify in writing who will be responsible for damage to your vehicle before you loan or lease. If the user-group agrees to be responsible, it should purchase primary physical damage protection. This coverage should be verified on a certificate of insurance furnished to you.

* Outline your requirements to the user-group regarding who may operate your vehicle and under what conditions. For example, make sure the driver has a valid driver’s license, a good driving record and experience operating your type of vehicle. You may request a “motor vehicle record.” Preferably the owner of the vehicle would furnish its own driver.

* Don’t loan a vehicle that is not in top mechanical condition.

* Don' t lease your vehicle for hire without checking on laws governing vehicles operated for the purpose of transporting passengers for hire.

* Make sure the vehicle will be used for church activities. If used for some other activity or commercial purpose, it may void or limit your coverage.

Source: Kansas-Nebraska Convention of Southern Baptists