15-passenger van safety

One of the main reasons for 15-passenger rollover accidents, which caused over 1,000 fatalities in a recent three year period, is driver inexperience. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says that only experienced drivers should operate the vans on a regular basis because of the significant design and handling differences from other passenger vehicles.

The NHTSA says drivers can prevent rollover crashes by:

* braking properly – 15-passenger vans require additional braking time
* avoiding conditions that lead to loss of control – never be under the influence of drugs or alcohol and always be well rested and attentive
* drive cautiously on rural roads – rollovers frequently occur in rural areas when vans strike a ditch or embankment or run onto soft soil
* know what to do if the wheel drops off the roadway – gradually reduce the speed and steer back onto the road when it is safe to do so
* properly maintain your tires – worn tires can cause vans to slide sideways on wet pavement