Chilton Association helping train drivers of 15-passenger vans

Chilton Baptist Association is one of several denominational groups that have set up training courses for drivers of 15-passenger vans.
   
“As a result of warnings issued by the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, insurers are looking at their coverage of 15-passenger vans and are making decisions whether to maintain existing coverage, to write new policies or to add requirements to keep coverage,” said Julie Pulliam, public affairs director with the American Insurance Association in Atlanta.
   
She said these requirements for those insured, such as churches, non-profits and other entities  will likely include the U.S. government’s recommendations that all passengers, regardless of where they are seated, wear seatbelts and that drivers be trained and experienced. If these requirements are not met, the insurance can be revoked and not reinstated at the discretion of the insurer.
   
In last few months 227 people have trained at three seminars hosted by Chilton Association, said Larry Felkins, Chilton Association director of missions.
   
Eddie Lightsey, minister of music at West End Baptist Church in Clanton, said, “They showed … how easy the vans were to turn over, even at just around 30 mph.”
   
Bill Davis, an independent insurance agent and a member of Friendship Baptist Church in  Clanton, said the three areas of concern with 15-passenger vans are rollover potential, accidents involving side impacts and the  lack of seatbelt use.