NHTSA: Dangers of 15-Passenger Vans

 Posted on December 00, 0000 in Car Accidents

One of the most popular modes of transportation for youth sports groups, church groups, and other organizations is the 15-passenger van. Many families or groups of friends will also rent these large vehicles when traveling together, rather than using separate vehicles. However, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) warns that these vehicles can be dangerous.

According to the NHTSA, overloaded 15-passenger vans have a greater risk of being involved in a rollover accident, and many of these accidents can be fatal. Overloading the van also makes it unstable when driving, which also increases the risk of other types of traffic accidents.

Past testing conducted by the NHTSA revealed that the more occupants in the van, the greater the risk of a roll-over, even in a single-vehicle crash. In fact, a van carrying 10 occupants has a three times higher risk of rolling over than a van carrying five occupants.

Research also demonstrated that increasing occupants and cargo in the van shifts the center of gravity toward the rear of the vehicle. This can cause instability and difficulty for the driver to keep control of the vehicle.

Another safety issue with these vans involves the tires. It is critical for these vehicles to have tires which are the correct size, as well as the correct load rate. The tire pressure often varies between front and rear tires, so van operators are urged to check the tire pressure before every trip. The NHTSA estimates that at least one-third of 15-passenger vans have at least one tire which is greatly under-inflated.

Statistics from the NHTSA show that in one year, there was a 20 percent overall increase in 15-passenger van accident fatalities. In vans that were involved in rollover accidents, the fatality rate increase was actually 73 percent.

If you have been injured in an accident caused by a negligent driver or improper maintenance of any size vehicle, it is important to consult with an experienced Orland Park car accident attorney. Our team can help you find out what legal compensation to which you may be entitled for any pain and loss as a result of the accident.