If you do find yourself driving a 15-passenger van, you should be aware of the dangers so you can take precautions, and also so you will know how to react if you need to make an emergency maneuver. Rollovers are the most common accidents with these vans.
First, let’s take a look at the physics of a rollover:
A rollover is most likely to occur when the driver swerves, accidently drives off the road or otherwise loses control of the steering. Vehicle instability caused by heavy loading is a major cause of rollovers in 15-passenger vans. These vans are not considered “passenger vehicles” and therefore do not have to meet all the safety standards that passenger cars and trucks require. These vans have a normally high center of gravity and when they are full or have excessive accessories such as bikes and bike racks or luggage they become even heavier which causes the center of gravity to shift even higher. The fuller the vans are, the more likely they are to rollover when involved in a crash.
The following guidelines will help you drive safer and avoid a rollover accident:
Don’t Overload the Van
If possible, don’t fill the van to capacity. Keeping passengers to nine or fewer will keep the center of gravity more balanced and make the van safer. You should also avoid carrying luggage on the roof rack as this raises the center of gravity and increases the likelihood of fishtailing and rolling over in case of an accident.
Know Proper Maneuvering
It’s important that you know how to maneuver the van in different emergency situations. One of the most important things to remember is Don’t steer in a panic! Drivers who steer in a panic are more likely to over steer or drive off the roadway, which greatly increases the risk of a rollover accident.
Use Caution on Rural Roads
Extra precautions should be used when driving on rural roads, especially if there are a lot of curves. Speed should never exceed 50 mph. It’s also advisable to avoid driving late at night, especially on roads that you don’t know well. On any roads, you should always be aware of your surroundings and road conditions and adjust your speed when necessary.
Tires
Be sure the tires are properly inflated and in good condition. A recent NHTSA study found that 74 percent of all 15-passenger vans had poorly inflated tires as compared to 39 percent of passenger cars. This can affect steering maneuverability and greatly increases the likelihood of rollover crashes. Check tires at least once a month.
Use Common Sense
Basic precautions should be used without saying. Always wear seatbelts and never use alcohol or drugs if you are going to be operating any vehicle.
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