Fifteen-passenger vans are one of the most dangerous modes of transportation on the road, and yet they continue to be used for the most vulnerable populations – children, seniors, and the handicapped – thus earning it the name given it by Van Angels, “A Deathtrap on Wheels.” More fatalities occur within these groups than any other.
Most U.S. states and Canadian provinces have taken measures to ban 15-passenger vans for school buses. Many more are placing restrictions on the use of the vans that are in operation. As of September 2008, Edmonton, Alberta banned the use of 15-passenger vans for transporting students. In the months leading up to the ban, restrictions where placed on these vehicles such as not permitting cargo to be carried on the roof racks.
Nevertheless, in both countries, 15-passenger vans are still used privately for transporting groups to various private functions and by many hotels and resorts to take guests to and from the airport. Some of this is due to cost. Many day care centers and non-profits simply can’t afford to buy new, safer transportation or to upgrade their existing vehicles, so these vans continue to be used.
Others are buying used 15-passenger vans that have been banned for use by public schools, so they may be able to buy them at what seems to be a good price without being aware of the inherent dangers they are also purchasing. As the economy worsens, it may be even more difficult for some of these organizations to upgrade to safer transportation.
Concerned citizens and groups continue to raise awareness on the dangers of these vans. Boston, for instance, along with the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicle safety inspectors, regularly perform stings where they pull over vans that are being used to transport children to schools and day care centers. These stings turn up many violations such as overcrowding, unqualified drivers and faulty seat belts.
If an organization is going to use a 15-passenger van, it should take steps to employ only qualified drivers. Special instruction should be given on the handling of these vehicles to avoid a panic reaction in an emergency situation.
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