Church Policy

Church Policy:
Don't use 15-passenger vans

By Janet Shay
Human Resources & Risk Manager

PASADENA—Churches and schools often use 15-passenger vans to transport their members and students. Many of you may have seen television shows or read articles that show how dangerous these large vans can be.

Guide One Insurance, which insures Worldwide Church of God vehicles, now requires their policyholders’ drivers to hold commercial or chauffeurs’ licenses or complete approved defensive driving courses if they drive 15-passenger vans. Even that is a temporary measure, and they urge policyholders to stop using 15-passenger vans altogether.

Fifteen-passenger vans are especially hazardous when fully loaded. Their high center of gravity and relatively short wheelbase make them susceptible to rollover at speeds as low as 35 miles per hour. Guide One says they also have inadequate protection for side impact crashes. According to a 60 Minutes segment on the dangers of 15-passenger vans, these vans cannot pass the same government safety standards as other passenger vehicles.

Federal regulations now prohibit dealers from selling new 15-passenger vans to transport school children. As schools and churches replace their 15-passenger vans with safer vehicles, a large supply of 15-passenger vans may be on the market at low prices. Some congregations may be tempted to purchase them. Please don’t yield to that temptation.

Fifteen-passenger vans have been involved in many rollover accidents with fatalities and serious injuries in the last few years. Many lawsuits have been filed over the injuries. Guide One suggests churches and schools purchase or rent small school buses instead of 15-passenger vans because they meet far more rigorous safety standards. In addition, school buses will last longer than 15-passenger vans and will ultimately cost less per mile driven.

If small school buses aren’t available, congregations might consider buying or renting minivans for church use. Of course, most of our congregations are probably not in a financial position to even consider a purchase at this time. However, some congregations might occasionally need to rent transportation for selected activities. With all of this in mind, we are establishing the following Worldwide Church of God policy regarding 15-passenger vans (see box).

WCG Policy Statement

Do not rent or use 15-passenger vans for any Worldwide Church of God function. We must guard the safety of church youths and members, as well as other motorists who share the roads. The Worldwide Church of God believes the potential risk is too great to accept.