REDUCING THE RISK OF
ROLLOVER CRASHES
IN 15-PASSENGER VANS
Fifteen-passenger vans typically have seating positions for a driver and 14 passengers. They are widely used by community organizations to take members on short trips and outings. Colleges use them to drive sports teams to intercollegiate games and vanpools use them for commuters.
What increases the risk of rollover crashes?
Recent research conducted by the National Highway
Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has found that the risk of a rollover
crash is greatly increased when 10 or more people ride in a 15-passenger
van. This increased risk occurs because the passenger weight raises the
vehicles center of gravity and causes it to shift rearward. As a
result, the van has less resistance to rollover and handles differently
from other commonly driven passenger vehicles, making it more difficult
to control in an emergency situation. Placing any load on the roof also
raises the center of gravity and increases the likelihood of a rollover.
What situations can cause a rollover?
A rollover crash is a complex event, heavily influenced
by driver and road characteristics as well as the design of the vehicle.
In studies of single-vehicle crashes, NHTSA has found that more than 90
percent of rollovers occur after a driver has lost control of the vehicle
and has run off the road. Three major situations can lead to a rollover
in a 15-passenger van.
What can organizations do to protect their passengers?
Over the past decade, 80 percent of people killed
in rollover crashes in 15-passenger vans were unbelted. Passengers can
dramatically reduce their risk of being killed or seriously injured in
a rollover crash by simply using their seat belts. Organizations that
own 15-passenger vans should have a written seat belt use policy. Drivers
should be responsible for enforcing the policy.
Seat belt use is especially critical because large numbers of people die in rollover crashes when they are partially or completely thrown from the vehicle. NHTSA estimates that people who wear their seat belts are about 75 percent less likely to be killed in a rollover crash than people who dont.
Does an experienced driver make a difference?
Significant differences in the design and handling
characteristics of a 15-passenger van make it drive differently from other
passenger vehicles. Therefore, an organization that owns a 15-passenger
van should select one or two experienced drivers to drive the van on a
regular basis. These drivers will gain valuable experience handling the
van. This experience will help make each trip a safe one.
How can rollover crashes be prevented?
Because most rollover crashes dont involve
other vehicles, they are often preventable. Here are some tips for drivers
to minimize the risk of a rollover crash and serious injury:
What are other considerations for safe driving?
When a 15-passenger van is not full, passengers
should sit in seats that are in front of the rear axle.
More than 15 people should never be allowed to ride in a 15-passenger van.
Because a 15-passenger van is substantially longer
and wider than a car, it:
"15 Passenger Van Rollover Information"
NHTSA Repeats Rollover Warning To Users of 15-Passenger Vans (Press
Release) Reduciendo El Riesgo De Accidentes Por Vuelcos En Camionetas De 15 Pasajeros - posted 5/13/2004 Reducing The Risk of Rollover Crashes in 15-Passenger Vans" - Flyer Reducing The Risk of Rollover Crashes in 15-Passenger Vans" - Hangtag
(PDF - Laser Resolution)
(PDF - Laser Resolution)