15 passenger vans have an increased rollover risk under certain conditions

The risk of rollover increases dramatically as the number of occupants increases from fewer than 5 occupants to over 10 passengers

15 passenger vans (with 10 or more occupants) had a rollover rate in single vehicle crashes that is nearly 3 times the rate of those that were lightly loaded

Loading 15 passenger vans causes the center of gravity to shift rearward & upward increasing the likelihood of rollover Shift in the center of gravity will increase the potential for loss of control in panic maneuvers

It is important that the van be operated by experienced drivers who understand & are familiar with the handling characteristics of the van, especially when fully loaded

Any load placed on the roof will be above the center of gravity of the vehicle & will increase the likelihood of rolling over

Fill the front seats of the van first. The center of gravity shifts to the rear and upward increasing the likelihood of rollovers as capacity increases

1. BACKING1. BACKING

2. STOPPING2. STOPPING

4. ROLL - OVER4. ROLL - OVER

3. CHANGING LANES3. CHANGING LANES

COMMONCOMMON VAN VAN ACCIDENTSACCIDENTS

OOPS ! OOPS !

Mirrors

Mirrors

!!

Backing Backing and Parkingand Parking

ANOTHER COMMON VAN ANOTHER COMMON VAN ACCIDENTACCIDENT

FOLLOWINGFOLLOWING TO CLOSE TO CLOSE Traffic Safety Laws Traffic Safety Laws

“ A Body in Motion Tends to Stay in

Motion”

When Following:

CHANGING LANESCHANGING LANES

Another Common Another Common VAN ACCIDENTVAN ACCIDENT

5. If it is safe, change lanes and re-establish your space cushions

1. Establish a 4-second following distance2. Turn on your signal light several seconds in advance

3. Check your rear view and side mirror4. Turn your head in the direction you will be going and look

Highest RiskHighest Risk

COMMON VAN COMMON VAN ACCIDENTACCIDENT

- CENTER OF GRAVITY (CG)- CENTER OF GRAVITY (CG)

- C- C ENTER OF FORCE (CF)ENTER OF FORCE (CF)

STABILITY FACTORS

- - WEIGHT WEIGHT

- - PROFILEPROFILE- - TIRESTIRES

HIGH SPEEDHIGH SPEED

+ HIGH CG+ HIGH CG

+ HIGH CF+ HIGH CF

= = ROLLOVER !!ROLLOVER !!

WEIGHT

x 11 PASSENGERSx 11 PASSENGERS

= 1,925 lbs= 1,925 lbs+ VEHICLE WEIGHT+ VEHICLE WEIGHT

9,500 lbs9,500 lbs

= 11,425 lbs= 11,425 lbs

AVERAGE ADULT = 175 lbsAVERAGE ADULT = 175 lbs

NO SUDDEN TURNS !

On the roadOn the road

ADJUST SEATS AND SEATBELTS !

CONTROL YOUR PASSENGERS !

TWO HANDS ON STEERING WHEEL !

SLOW DOWN BEFORE CURVES !

CHECK ROAD AND WEATHER CONDITIONS !

EXPECT WIND GUSTS ANYWHERE - ANYTIME !!