15Passenger Van Safety

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15-Passenger Van Safety
Department of Juvenile Justice
2
Introduction

• Fifteen-passenger vans are more likely to be
  involved in a single-vehicle rollover crash than
  any other type of vehicle. In response, the
  National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
  (NHTSA) has issued safety advisory on these
  vehicles.
• The good news is that the Department of Juvenile
  Justice has implemented educational driving
  courses and training to inform staff on how to
  reduce rollover risk, avoid potential dangers and
  better protect occupant in the event of a
  rollover crash.

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NHTSA Report

• 15-passenger vans have a increased rollover risk
  under certain conditions
  
• The risk of rollover increases dramatically as
  the number of occupants increases from fewer than
  five occupants to over ten passengers.
  
• 15-passenger vans (with 10 or more occupants) had
  a rollover rate in single vehicle crashes that is
  nearly 3 x the rate of those that were lightly
  loaded.

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NHTSA Report (continued)

• Loading 15-passenger vans causes the center of
  gravity to shift rearward and upward increasing
  the likelihood of rollover. Shift in the center
  of gravity will also increase the potential for
  loss of control in panic maneuvers.
• It is important that the van be operated by
  experienced drivers, they should understand and
  be familiar with the handling characteristics of
  their vans, especially when fully loaded.

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NHTSA Reports (continued)

• Institutions using 15-passenger vans should
  require seat belt use at all times.
  
• Any load placed on the roof will be above the
  center of gravity of the vehicle and will
  increase the likelihood of rolling over.
  

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NHTSA Recommends

• Keep your passenger load light. NHTSA research
  has shown that 15-passenger vans have a rollover
  risk that increases dramatically as the number of
  occupants increases from fewer than five to more
  than ten. In fact, 15-passenger vans (with 10 or
  more occupants) had a rollover rate in single
  vehicle crashes that is nearly three times the
  rate of those that were lightly loaded.

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NHTSA Recommends (continued)

• Check your vans tire pressure frequently at
  least once a week. A just-released NHTSA study
  found that 74 percent of all 15-passenger vans
  had improperly inflated tires. By contrast, 39
  percent of passenger cars had improperly inflated
  tires. Improperly inflated tires can change
  handling characteristics, increasing the prospect
  of a rollover crash in 15-passenger vans.

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NHTSA Recommends (continued)

• Require all occupants to use their seat belts or
  the appropriate child restraint. Nearly 80 of
  those who have died nationwide in 15-passenger
  vans were not buckled up. Wearing seat belts
  dramatically increases the chances of survival
  during a rollover crash.

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NHTSA Recommends (continued)

• If at all possible, seat passengers place cargo
  forward of the rear axle and avoid placing any
  loads on the roof. By following these guidelines,
  youll lower the vehicles center of gravity and
  lower the chance of a rollover crash.

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NHTSA Recommends (continued)

• Be mindful of speed and road conditions. The
  analysis of 15-passenger van crashes also shows
  that the risk of rollover increases significantly
  at speeds over 50 miles per hour and on curved
  roads.

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NHTSA Recommends (continued)

• Only qualified drivers should be behind the
  wheel. Special training and experience are
  required to properly operate a 15-passenger van.
  Make sure your driver or drivers have both and
  only operate these vehicles when well rested and
  fully alert.

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Overview

• 15-passenger Vans should be operated by
  experienced drivers.
  
• In order to insure we have the most qualified
  drivers we now offer
  
• Educational Driving Training Courses

13
Accident Facts

• 25 of all driving accidents are the result of
  excessive speed.
  
• 70 of driving accidents occur within 25 miles
  from home.
  
• 1 out of 4 employees who drive experience an
  accident while at work.
  
• Most people know someone who has died in a car
  accident.

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15-Passenger Van Facts

• A speed that may be acceptable in a passenger car
  could be dangerous in a van.
  
• A 16 passenger vehicle requires a CDL
• You should fill the front seats first. The
  center of gravity shifts to the rear and upward
  increasing the likelihood of rollover as capacity
  increases.
• Soft shoulders and culverts pose a hazard in
  rural areas.
  
• The shift in the center of gravity will also
  increase the potential for loss of control in
  panic maneuvers.

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Driving Tips

• For all kinds of vehicles.
• Defensive Driving Theories
• Dealing with aggressive drivers
• Backing the vehicle
• Highway driving
• City Driving
• Rural Driving
• Emergency situations
• Vehicle accidents

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Driving Tips for all vehicles

• Avoid sharp turns.
• Avoid excessive speed and abrupt maneuvers.
• Dont drive tired.
• Dont drive in bad weather
• Drive conservatively
• Rest stops often (every 2 hrs. recommended)
• Wear seat belts
• Drive during the day, if possible.
• Require someone to be awake in the front seat
  with the driver on long trips

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For all vehicles (continued)

• 2-way radio for all vehicles and cellular phone
  for leader on multi-vehicle trips.
  
• Trip leader to drive lead vehicle and set pace. .
  .no other vehicle shall pass.
  
• Obey all laws, signs and speed limits.

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Defensive Driving Theories

• Drive with courtesy
• Be calm when driving
• Concentrate when driving
• Drive cautiously

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Dealing With Aggressive Drivers

• Avoid eye contact.
• Dont cut in front of other drivers.
• Allow fellow drivers to merge
• Dont aggravate fellow drivers with hand
  gestures.
  
• Dont tailgate.
• Use your horn sparingly.

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Backing The Vehicle

• Use a spotter
• Back to the left (drivers side)
• Avoid backing up if you miss a ramp/exit.
• Use outside mirrors.

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Highway Driving

• Lane changes and signals.
• Merges
• Blind Spots
• Slow moving vehicles

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City Driving

• Stop signs
• Stop lights
• Yield Signs
• Signals

• Blind spots
• Pedestrians
• Bicyclist

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Rural Driving

• Bicyclist
• Walkers
• Deer/Moose
• Soft shoulders
• Culverts
• Curves, hills and narrow roads

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Emergency Situations

• Encountering emergency vehicles
• Headlights go out
• Tire blow out
• Engine failure
• Break Failure

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Check-Out Procedures

• Vehicle usage must be pre-approved by the budget
  administrator for your department or
  organization.
  
• Arrangements are made through the Purchasing
  Department.
  
• Drivers must have a valid state drivers
  license.
  
• Keys must be picked up by the driver.
• Inspect the vehicle and report any problems.

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Vehicle Accident

• Relax
• Never leave the scene of an accident.
• Report the accident to the police.
• Never admit fault.
• Gather all the facts (date, time, witnesses,
  phone numbers, etc.)
  
• Report all accidents to immediate Supervisor and
  Fleet Headquarters Office.