State Case
Local Implications
Salliotte v. Ford Motor Company
When tragedy strikes on the road, courts often face a complex question: who bears responsibility—the vehicle manufacturer or the organization that owns and operates the vehicle? In Salliotte v. Ford Motor Company, a Florida jury weighed that very issue after a fatal van accident involving a church group. The outcome carries significant lessons for ministries that use 15-passenger vans or that rely on volunteers to transport congregants.
What You Need to Know
Members of First Baptist Church of New Port Richey were traveling to a retreat in a 15-passenger Ford van when a rear tire failed, causing the vehicle to roll over. The crash killed the driver and one passenger and left another severely injured. The plaintiffs argued that Ford’s van design was dangerously unstable and prone to rollovers, particularly when fully loaded, and that both Ford and the church ignored known safety warnings. They alleged the church failed to maintain the van properly, train volunteer drivers adequately, and ensure consistent seatbelt use. Seeking compensation for wrongful death and injuries, the plaintiffs asked the jury to hold both Ford and the church liable.
In March 2018, the jury agreed—awarding $25.9 million in total damages, with 28% of the fault, about $7.3 million, assigned to the church.
What Your Ministry Can Do
Review Vehicle Safety: Schedule regular professional inspections for every ministry vehicle—especially tires, seatbelts, and brakes. Keep written maintenance logs and replace tires that show any age, wear, or uneven tread, regardless of mileage.
Train Every Driver: Require all volunteer and staff drivers to complete van safety training that covers weight limits, passenger distribution, emergency handling, and seatbelt enforcement. Review this training annually.
Adopt Safer Practices: Avoid overloading vans, limit roof cargo, and use smaller vehicles or licensed transportation providers when possible.
