A 15-passenger van offers beneficial features that are not available in other cars. Although it can have some advantages, there are certainly risks involved in driving this type of vehicle. Drivers and passengers must use caution to minimize the risks associated with these vehicles. There are particular areas of the van that you need to be aware of and adhere to the following precautions when operating this van.
According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, experience matters when operating the Fifteen-passenger van, and only licensed drivers who operate this type of vehicle regularly should be permitted. A commercial driver’s license is ideal. Knowledge and understanding of how the van needs to be maneuvered is crucial.
Paying attention and staying vigilant when driving is key. Never operate the vehicle using a handheld phone at the wheel, and limit your conversations with other passengers. It is advised that the drivers not drive more than 8 hours per day.
Every statewide highway and road has a posted speed limit. You must follow the posted speed limit based on road or weather conditions. Remember that 15-passenger vans require additional braking time and cannot handle abrupt maneuvers.
Another important cautionary rule that is universally applicable is wearing seatbelts at all times. The driver and all the passengers must be buckled. It is important to replace any damaged belts immediately. An unrestrained 15-passenger-van occupant involved in a single-vehicle crash is four times more likely to be killed than a restrained occupant.
Additionally, the tires need to be regularly checked to ensure safe tire pressure. They must be properly inflated to ensure they are safe to drive. Inspection of the thread is critical, too. If the thread is excessively worn out or there are improperly inflated tires, this can result in a loss of vehicle control and possibly a rollover. The safe tire pressure can be different for the front and back tires. Keep this in mind when adjusting them. Also, replacing the tires frequently as needed is important.
You must not allow more than 15 people to ride in a 15-passenger van. Fill the seats from front to back, and when the van is not full, passengers should sit in seats in front of the rear axle.
Any cargo should be placed forward of the rear axle, and do not overload the van or place any loads on the roof. Check the driver’s manual to determine the safe load for the van. A 15-passenger van is significantly longer and wider than a car and requires more maneuvering space. Also, there could be more room for error due to multiple blind spots, requiring additional reliance on the side-view mirrors for changing lanes.
What Are the Risks of 15-Passenger Vans?
There are more risks involved in operating this sort of vehicle. Due to the innate nature of the capacity of the van combined with other features of the van, it can become dangerous if not properly used on the road. The first thing to consider is that this van sits higher off the ground than usual vehicles. This is especially concerning when the vehicle makes abrupt changes in direction, such as sudden or unexpected turns.
The higher center of gravity makes 15-passenger vans more likely to be involved in a rollover crash. The situation can be compounded when the weight at the center of gravity is increased with luggage and passengers. This inconsistent center of gravity can make operating these vans extremely challenging.
The following are some of the other features that can contribute to the risks of driving a 15-passenger van:
- Decreased visibility: 15-passenger vans tend to have larger blind spots that make it difficult for drivers to notice other cars;
- Stopping distance: it takes longer to stop the van due to its weight and size than compared to other cars and;
- Handling difficulty: the 15-passenger vans are much harder to maneuver and should be only operated by experienced drivers.
After combining all these risks and features, you can create a disastrous accident if you do not adhere to all the precautions mentioned above. The 15-passenger van is a unique vehicle, and you must understand all the necessary characteristics to operate it. The risk of a potential crash is much higher in these vans than in the others.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) NHTSA data collected between 2007 and 2016 reveals that while the overall number of 15-passenger van accidents seems to be trending downward, the number of vans rolling over in these accidents remains similar. Further, the number of fatalities caused by these rollover crashes is increasing:
- 41% of the 15-passenger van occupants killed were ejected from the van;
- 11% of fatal 15-passenger van rollover accidents were due to tire failure and;
- 70% of 15-passenger van passengers were killed in unrestrained crashes.
Another note on the importance of blind spots when driving a 15-passenger van: it can contribute to major accidents if not used properly. Frequent lane changes can also contribute to automobile accidents. The length of 15-passenger vans increases the area of blind spots and makes lane changes more dangerous.
The drivers need additional time to adjust speed and keep enough distance from other cars. Not paying attention to this can become hazardous for drivers and other cars. Since it is a large vehicle, it needs more space to turn, and the driver must calculate that space ahead of time to make safe turns.
What Are Some Common 15-Passenger Accident Injuries?
The injuries sustained during a 15-passenger van rollover accident can be severe due to the big, open cabin and the tendency of van passengers not to use seatbelts. There can be serious injuries that result from these types of accidents.
Many victims of 15-passenger vans suffer burn injuries, head trauma, broken bones, and spinal cord injuries that could eventually lead to a lifetime of disability. As stated earlier, only trained drivers should operate these vans. Safety is a priority and must be respected.
The NHTSA recently banned the use of 15-passenger vans for the transportation of students. Although they are still seen on the road, they pose a high risk for anyone traveling in them if they do not adhere to all the safety regulations. There needs to be more awareness about the dangers of driving in a 15-passenger van.
When Do I Need to Contact a Lawyer?
If you have been in an accident while driving or being a passenger in a 15-passenger van, seek legal assistance immediately. As stated above, there are multiple risks and dangers associated with this sort of vehicle. Disregarding these and not completely following the precautions is a serious violation.
Making sure the driver is experienced and has special training in operating these vehicles is critical. Some of the key features of this 15-passenger van make it vulnerable on the road and more prone to accidents. It can put the lives of others in danger and result in devastating injuries. You can contact a local car accident lawyer to help you.
