15-Passenger Van Safety Warnings

April 26, 2010

Many sports teams, clubs, non-profits, colleges, small businesses, senior clubs and group facilities utilize 15-passenger vans. Unfortunately, they are more likely to be involved in a single-vehicle crash than any other type of vehicle. The rollover risk increases dramatically as the number of occupants increases. Since 2000, the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued five safety warnings on these vehicles. NHTSA recommended safety precautions include, but are not limited to, the following:

KEEP THE PASSENGER LOAD LIGHT. Most safety experts recommend no more than ten occupants. When more than ten occupants are seated, the vehicle has a rollover rate three times greater than when ten or less are seated.
CHECK TIRE PRESSURE WEEKLY. One NHTSA study found that 74% of all 15-passenger vans had improperly inflated tires. Improperly inflated tires increase rollover risk.
REQUIRE ALL OCCUPANTS TO WEAR SEAT BELTS. Nearly 80% of fatalities in these vans were people not using seat belts.
INSIST THAT DRIVERS BE MINDFUL OF SPEED AND ROAD CONDITIONS. Analysis of 15- passenger van accidents indicates that rollover risk increases once the vehicle exceeds 50 mph. It also increases on road curves.

NHTSA offers a flyer that summarizes the alerts issued on this type of vehicle, and also safety instructions that can be posted on the interior of the vans. Go to nhtsa.dot.gov for more info.

If your organization has such a van insured with our agency, be certain to contact a commercial customer service representative. It would be prudent to review your current auto coverages and limits.