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Distracted Driving, Sexting, Cyberattacks, and More
Church legal and tax expert Richard Hammar examines how electronic devices are creating new liabilities for churches
 
Contact: Lindsey Learn, 630-260-6200 x4363, llearn@christianitytoday.com
 
CAROL STREAM, Ill., Dec. 19, 2011 /Christian Newswire/ -- U.S. Department of Education reports that driving while operating a cell phone impairs driver reaction to the same degree as driving with a blood alcohol concentration of .08 percent. Drivers operating hand-held devices are also four times more likely to get in a crash resulting in injuries.
 
In the Feature Report "Stacking Up Electronics in the Church," noted church attorney Richard Hammar addresses the specific risks of driving while using a cell phone, as well as the potential liabilities for churches that fail to implement, monitor, or enforce a cell phone policy.
 
"Unfortunately, few church leaders have considered the potential risk...for deaths and injuries caused by church employees operating a vehicle on church business while using a cell phone," says Hammar. For instance, church board members can be held personally liable for the negligent driving of an employee while they are conducting church business—a high cost for staying connected.
 
Hammar recommends that all churches create a cell phone policy (a sample policy is included in the Feature Report), and that they ban the use of hand-held and "hands-free" cell phones by drivers. "This is the 'best practice,' since it will result in the greatest reduction in the risk of death and injury."
 
"Stacking Up Electronics in the Church" also covers nine other aspects of the legal and tax implications for churches relating to electronic devices, including the employer's right to inspect electronic communications, liability for sexually explicit messages, and the threat of cyberattacks. The complete Feature Report is available for purchase on YourChurchResources.com, a Christianity Today website.
 
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