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Basic Safety for 15 Passenger Van Drivers
Rollover Prevention Tips and other safe operating guidelines for loss
prevention.
Multi-Passenger Vans do not operate like automobiles
• Height of vehicle increases rollover potential
• Length of vehicle increases stopping distance
• Width of vans is NOT a significant enough factor to improve the safety of the vehicle
Center of Gravity and rollover potential
The higher the center of gravity the more prone a vehicle is to rollover
hazards.
Center of Gravity for vans varies depending on several factors
• Center of gravity higher due to shape and size
• Center of gravity rises with passenger weight or equipment
• Normal vehicle center of gravity is at bumper height providing stability
When a van is filled to capacity the center of gravity can be as
high as the steering wheel!
High center of Gravity = Compromised stability
• Quick maneuvers such as: turns, striking curbs, veering off pavement and over compensating all commonly result in van rollover accidents.
Road Run off hazards
• Rural roads have higher drops off the side leading to more rollovers
• Fatigued drivers drift off the road
• Overcorrecting for running off road results in rollover
• Practice attentive and non-distracted driving
• Maintain appropriate travel speed for the conditions
• Avoid driving when tired or impaired by drugs or alcohol
Avoiding Rollovers During a Panic Situation
• Take your Foot OFF the gas!
• Avoid sudden braking
• Allow gradual slowing from gravity
• DO NOT turn steering wheel sharply!
• Minor damage suffered from leaving the roadway is OKAY compared to the potential seriousness of a rollover accident.
Four people died and 14 were injured when a van crammed full of migrant workers veered off Route 104 in Oswego Town and crashed into a tree at 6:30pm, July, 1995. Firefighters and rescue workers from local fire departments were on the scene. Ambulances and rescue workers and a Air One helicopter also responded.
None of the injured spoke English.
Anything similar about all the vans pictured?
Hint: Count the windows.
The extended length of the 15-passenger van is
illustrated by the additional window at
the rear of the vehicle
Extended length increases rollover potential.
Turning Tips – Left Turns
•Begin turning farther forward into the intersection to allow for the longer length of the van
•Be sure to allow extra room in the intersection so as you turn the longer van length will not strike other vehicles
waiting to enter from the left
When Turning Right
• Prevent the right rear tire from hitting the curb by approaching the intersection from the left side of the right lane.
• Turn on your turn signal EARLY
• Check your mirrors frequently
Backing Safely
• If possible plan ahead to park where backing will not be necessary
• When backing if possible back towards the driver’s side
• If in a difficult backing situation try to use a spotter
• Use the mirrors frequently• Perform the backing maneuver slowly
Passenger Safety
• Always park on level surface when loading and unloading passengers
• Provide assistance if special needs exist
• When unloading children perform a full inspection of the van to make sure no passengers remain when exiting, verify numbers of children
Parking Considerations
• If possible park in such a manner that when leaving you can move forward rather than backing out
• It is better to back into a parking space after you arrive at a destination rather than backing out when you are leaving
• Set the parking brake as a matter of habit
• Always place the gear in the Park position
• Turn off electrical accessories
• Close windows
• Remove the keys and lock the doors
Additional Considerations
When operating 15 passenger vans
Mirror Use
Adjust Mirrors BEFORE starting vehicle
Have a passenger assist if necessary
Side mirrors help reduce blind spots but DO NOT completely eliminate them in some cases
Scan rear-view mirror and side mirrors every 5 to 10 seconds while driving
Proper mirror usage reduces panic responses that lead to rollover accidents
General Safe Driving Tips
Nothing is more important than safe arrival at your destination – plan ahead to avoid late departures which lead to unsafe driving habits
Always wear your seat-belt and make sure passengers are wearing seatbelts before you leave
Practice courteous driving and yield to other traffic when safe to do so
Poor Weather Conditions
Consider postponing trip if possible
REDUCE speed in rain, fog, snow, or ice conditions
Increase your viewing distance ahead to include several vehicles not just the one immediately in front of you
Windy conditions can create increased rollover potential for 15 passenger vans, be aware of wind from weather and sudden gusts from passing trucks
Avoid Driving ImpairedFatigue causes inattention to driving, delayed response to circumstances, and falling asleep at the wheel. Know when it is NOT safe for you to be driving
Lack of Sleep causes inattention to driving, delayed response to circumstances, and falling asleep at the wheel.
Alcohol or Drug use causes inattention to driving, FAULTY Decision Making and Delayed Responses
Avoid Distracted Driving
Common Driver Distractions to Control or Avoid
• Cell Phone Use– Have passengers make
calls if possible
– Safely stop vehicle before calling out
– Avoid answering incoming calls while driving
• Maps and Directions– Study directions prior
to departure
– Stop in a safe place if lost or you need to refresh directions
– Utilize passengers to help if possible
Distractions to Avoid, Cont’d
• Food– Should be consumed
when stopped, before leaving or after arriving
• Unfamiliar Equipment– Radio should be pre-
set before leaving
– Learn lights, blinkers, emergency flashers, emergency brake, and air / heat controls BEFORE leaving
Conclusions:
• Driver attention to safety is the most important factor in avoiding accidents.
• NHTSA Strongly encourages continued training for drivers of 15 passenger vans to reduce rollover accidents
• More passengers increases the risk of rollover accidents
• If you feel uncomfortable with driving 15 passenger vans enroll in a professional training course
Credits:
• www.thomcoins.com• Office of Insurance
Management, Idaho Department of Administration
• National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
• http://www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/pdf/nrd-12/15vanRollNote.pdf
