Operation Danger Van

Colorado has enacted new regulations restricting the use of 15-passenger vans for transporting children.

These changes cite well-documented rollover risks and passenger safety concerns but carry significant legal and liability risks for businesses, churches, schools, and nonprofits that have relied on these vehicles for transportation, youth trips, and ministry events.

In this article we'll balance the what and why of the new regulations and the duty of care with safe, practical steps to comply with the law and protect those in your care.

The legal environment is telling us something about expectations for the standard of care:

A church may not be legally situated the same way as a Colorado school, but safety agencies, insurers, and transportation professionals have identified a known risk. Organizations transporting children should carefully consider what precautions can best protect their communities.

This includes training qualified drivers, properly assessing vehicle safety, and securing appropriate insurance is more than just compliance. By going above and beyond to protect the vulnerable, your organization can become a cultural and legal beacon of best practices and proper stewardship.