An alarming factor that significantly increases the danger of fatal accidents with 15-passenger vans concerns tires. A study conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and National Center for Statistics and Analysis (NCSA) found that 56% of these vans had at least one tire that was under inflated by at least 25%, which is more than double the percentage found in passenger cars.
Overinflation can also be an issue. Another study by the same researchers showed that 23 % of 15-passenger vans had at least one tire that was overinflated by 25 % or more as compared to 18% of other vans. The same study indicated that 6% had at least one tire overinflated past the maximum pressure recommendation as compared to 8% of other vans.
Proper tire care is crucial to vehicle safety!
It improves handling in emergency situations, saves fuel and increases tire life. Good tire maintenance also helps prevent blowouts, which can result in loss of control of the van.
Low tire pressure can cause other problems as well. If you are driving on wet or icy surfaces, it may make it more difficult to stop, increase the stopping distance and increase the chance of hydroplaning.
Wear and tear appears to be more pronounced in 15-passenger vans than in other passenger vehicles. The study also found that 4% of the vans had tires that showed signs of wear and tear such as aging or weather damage. It also showed that 6% had at least one bald tire.
The study concludes that “a very high percentage of large vans have significantly underinflated tires, a much larger percentage than passenger cars.” They suggest that this is because of the type of conditions under which these vans are used: transporting children and large groups of people. They also expressed concern over inexperienced drivers and that there is a need for greater tire safety awareness in relation to these vans.
Another suggested countermeasure is to integrate a tire pressure monitoring system.
Raising public awareness about the role of tires in the safe operation of 15-passenger vans will go along distance toward improving their safety. However, many accidents still result from a failure to properly maintain tires on these vehicles. To be certain your vehicle is safe, check each tire, including the spare, monthly when cold and set to the recommended inflation pressure as specified on the vehicle placard and in the owner’s manual.
If you have been involved in an accident and think that poor tires may have been at fault, you may want to contact an attorney. Don’t hesitate as most states have a statute of limitations after which time you can no longer file a claim.
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