15-Passenger Van Rollover Warning
In September, 2003 California 15-Passenger Van Safety bill,
AB 626 became a law restricting the use of these vehicles. The
law requires The California State University to limit the
operation of those vehicles to persons holding a class B
driver's license.
This bill was enacted after numerous reports and warnings
from the U.S. Department of Transportation's National Highway
Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) indicated that these
vehicles have an increased rollover risk under certain
conditions. These conditions include, but are not limited to,
having the vehicle loaded to passenger capacity, driving off
paved roads, driving the vehicle at speeds greater than 50
mph, under-inflated tires, and the high center of gravity on
those vehicles.
In 2005 the NHTSA issued an updated advisory marking the
4th time in just 5 years that MHTSA has issued a safety
warning on these vehicles. These alerts, in addition to
consumer alerts and educational efforts are apparently working
to help reduce fatalities in 15-passenger van rollover
crashes. The proof is in the number: The percent of
15-passenger van occupant fatalities that occur as a result of
rollover crashes is down from a high 81% in 2000 to 52% in
2003.
In 2006, 50% of occupant fatalities that occurred were in
vans that were fully loaded. Fifty-nine percent of those
killed were unbelted.
In May 2008, NHTSA Administrator Nicole R. Nason issues a
press release urging 15-Passenger Van users to drive with
caution. "For a safe trip buckle up, check the tire pressure
and make sure an experienced driver is behind the wheel before
heading out on the roads this summer," said Nason.
Organizations such as California State University,
Fullerton that use 15-passenger vans to transport college
students, sports groups, or other members, need to be informed
about how to reduce rollover risks, avoid potential dangers,
and better protect occupants in the event of a rollover crash.
Among the safety recommendations are the following:
- Drivers must be properly trained. 15-Passenger vans must
only be operated by trained, experienced drivers possessing
a Class B drivers license.
- Keep passenger load light. NHTSA research has shown that
the rollover risk in 15-passenger vans increase dramatically
as the number of occupants increases. The rollover rate in
15-passenger vans carrying 10 or more occupants is nearly
three times the rate of those with fewer passengers.
- Check your van's 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 passengers cars had improperly
inflated tires. Improperly inflated tires can change
handling characteristics, increasing the prospect of a
rollover crash in 15-passenger vans.
- 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
survival during rollover crash.
- If at all possible, seat passengers and place cargo
forward of the rear axle- and avoid placing any loads on
the roof. By following these guidelines, you'll lower the
vehicle's center of gravity and lower the chance of a
rollover crash.
- Be mindful of speed and road conditions. The analysis
of the 15-passenger van crashes also shows that the risk
of rollover increases significantly at speeds over 50
miles per hour and on curved roads.
Further information regarding 15-passenger van safety, can be found
here.
Revised: 8/13/2008 BB