Establishing a driver policy can help keep church out of court, lawyers say_40504

Posted: 4/02/04

Establishing a driver policy can help
keep church out of court, lawyers say

Every church should adopt a policy for drivers of vehicles operated for church business or activities, whether the vehicles are owned by the church or by individuals, a Texas Baptist guidebook recommends.

“Keeping Your Church Out of Court,” a notebook of materials produced by the Baptist General Convention of Texas Christian Life Commission and the Southern Baptist Annuity Board, provides a driver policy checklist.

The resource, prepared by the Fort Worth law firm of Bourland, Smith, Wall & Wenzel, suggests a church's driver policy should:

Require drivers to complete an application providing name, address, age, driver's license number, description of vehicle, proof of auto insurance and driving record for at least the previous five years.

The application also should include a release allowing the church to obtain a copy of the person's driving record from the state.

Designate an individual or committee at the church to review all applications and maintain a list of approved drivers.

Set a minimum age for drivers.

Establish procedures to follow in case of accident or injury.

Require at least two adults to be in any vehicle when children are being transported.

Maintain a separate authorized drivers list for church buses or vans if their operation requires special training or experience.

Stipulate that a driver must receive written permission to operate a vehicle for a specific trip, rather than allowing drivers to determine for themselves whether they should operate a vehicle on church business.

“Keeping Your Church Out of Court” is available from the Christian Life Commission. For more information, including cost of the resource, contact (214) 828-5190.