Summer Reminder from NHTSA Concerning 15 Passenger Vans
While convenient for large groups and families, 15 passenger vans have a high tendency to rollover. With summer approaching and many people planning vacations in these vehicles, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration released the following tips to follow to guard against a tragic rollover crash.
Seatbelts - All occupants should wear their seatbelts at all times. Any broken or missing seatbelts must be replaced before any trip. An unbelted occupant is three times more likely to be killed than a belted occupant.
The Driver - The driver of the 15 passenger van should be a fully trained and experienced driver. The size and the shape of the vehicle make it considerably harder to maneuver than a standard car and the driver should receive additional training to drive the vehicle. Drivers should never drive for longer than 8 hours in a 24 hour time period and never drive a vehicle with more occupants than seatbelts on board.
Tires/Tire Pressure - Like all vehicles the tires need to be properly inflated and absent of worn treads. The tire pressure should be checked before all trips and strictly followed to the manufacturer's recommended pressure. Drivers should also inspect the condition and age of the spare tire that comes with the rental of the vehicle. Properly sized and inflated tires will help the driver maintain control of the vehicle while driving.
Cargo - All cargo should be properly secured forward of the rear axle. The roof of the vehicle is to be clear of any cargo and it is never safe to tow anything with a 15 passenger van. The van should never exceed the maximum weight that is listed in the vehicle owner manual.
Following these simple tips will ensure a safe trip for those travelling in a 15 passenger van this summer.
Related Sources:
Top Safety Tips for 15-Passenger Vans
