Understanding 15-Passenger Van Safety Risks

By Grant Law Office on May 30, 2012

Fifteen-passenger vans are a commonly-used method of transportation for summer camps, sports teams, church groups, and other organizations to transport members to and from activities. However, 15-passenger vans have different safety risks than ordinary passenger vehicles. One of these is a considerably higher risk of a rollover accident, especially if the van contains more than 10 people or has weight placed over or behind the rear axle.

According to the National Transportation Safety Board, 15-passenger vans have been involved in over 1,500 fatal motor vehicle accidents in the last decade. Over 500 of these involved the van rolling over during emergency maneuvers or after being struck by another vehicle. Over 80 percent of deaths that occur in fifteen passenger van accidents are caused by a rollover.

The risk of rollovers in 15-passenger vans can be reduced. First, always check tires before using the van. Next, load the van’s cargo and passengers from the front to back, and do not place weight over the rear axle if you can avoid it. Also, drivers should be trained for 15-passenger van driving since it differs from ordinary vehicle driving. Finally, always buckle up in a van to reduce the risk of serious injury or death if the van does roll.

Fifteen-passenger van accidents can result in serious injuries or even take lives. If you’ve been injured in a van accident, a skilled Atlanta personal injury lawyer at The Law Offices of Wayne Grant, P.C. can help. Call us today at (404) 995-3955 for a free, confidential case evaluation.