Basic Safety for 15 Passenger Van Drivers

1. Basic Safety for 15 Passenger Van Drivers Rollover Prevention Tips and other safe operating guidelines for loss prevention.

2. Multi-Passenger Vans do not operate like automobiles • Height of vehicle increases rollover potential • Length of vehicle increases stopping distance • Width of vans is NOT a significant enough factor to improve the safety of the vehicle

3. Center of Gravity and rollover potential The higher the center of gravity the more prone a vehicle is to rollover hazards.

4. Center of Gravity for vans varies depending on several factors • Center of gravity higher due to shape and size • Center of gravity rises with passenger weight or equipment • Normal vehicle center of gravity is at bumper height providing stability

5. When a van is filled to capacity the center of gravity can be as high as the steering wheel!

6. High center of Gravity = Compromised stability • Quick maneuvers such as: turns, striking curbs, veering off pavement and over compensating all commonly result in van rollover accidents.

7. Rural roads have higher drops off the side leading to more rollovers Fatigued drivers drift off the road Overcorrecting for running off road results in rollover Practice attentive and non-distracted driving Maintain appropriate travel speed for the conditions Avoid driving when tired or impaired by drugs or alcohol Road Run off hazards

8. Avoiding Rollovers During a Panic Situation • Take your Foot OFF the gas! • Avoid sudden braking • Allow gradual slowing from gravity • DO NOT turn steering wheel sharply! • Minor damage suffered from leaving the roadway is OKAY compared to the potential seriousness of a rollover accident.

9. Four people died and 14 were injured when a van crammed full of migrant workers veered off Route 104 in Oswego Town and crashed into a tree at 6:30pm, July, 1995. Firefighters and rescue workers from local fire departments were on the scene. Ambulances and rescue workers and a Air One helicopter also responded. None of the injured spoke English.

11. Anything similar about all the vans pictured? Hint: Count the windows.

13. The extended length of the 15-passenger van is illustrated by the additional window at the rear of the vehicle Extended length increases rollover potential.

14. Turning Tips – Left Turns Begin turning farther forward into the intersection to allow for the longer length of the van Be sure to allow extra room in the intersection so as you turn the longer van length will not strike other vehicles waiting to enter from the left

15. When Turning Right • Prevent the right rear tire from hitting the curb by approaching the intersection from the left side of the right lane. • Turn on your turn signal EARLY • Check your mirrors frequently

16. Backing Safely • If possible plan ahead to park where backing will not be necessary • When backing if possible back towards the driver’s side • If in a difficult backing situation try to use a spotter • Use the mirrors frequently • Perform the backing maneuver slowly

17. Passenger Safety • Always park on level surface when loading and unloading passengers • Provide assistance if special needs exist • When unloading children perform a full inspection of the van to make sure no passengers remain when exiting, verify numbers of children

18. Parking Considerations • If possible park in such a manner that when leaving you can move forward rather than backing out • It is better to back into a parking space after you arrive at a destination rather than backing out when you are leaving • Set the parking brake as a matter of habit • Always place the gear in the Park position • Turn off electrical accessories • Close windows • Remove the keys and lock the doors

19. Additional Considerations When operating 15 passenger vans

20. Mirror Use • Adjust Mirrors BEFORE starting vehicle • Have a passenger assist if necessary • Side mirrors help reduce blind spots but DO NOT completely eliminate them in some cases • Scan rear-view mirror and side mirrors every 5 to 10 seconds while driving • Proper mirror usage reduces panic responses that lead to rollover accidents

21. General Safe Driving Tips • Nothing is more important than safe arrival at your destination – plan ahead to avoid late departures which lead to unsafe driving habits • Always wear your seat-belt and make sure passengers are wearing seatbelts before you leave • Practice courteous driving and yield to other traffic when safe to do so

22. Poor Weather Conditions • Consider postponing trip if possible • REDUCE speed in rain, fog, snow, or ice conditions • Increase your viewing distance ahead to include several vehicles not just the one immediately in front of you • Windy conditions can create increased rollover potential for 15 passenger vans, be aware of wind from weather and sudden gusts from passing trucks

23. Avoid Driving Impaired • Fatigue causes inattention to driving, delayed response to circumstances, and falling asleep at the wheel. Know when it is NOT safe for you to be driving • Lack of Sleep causes inattention to driving, delayed response to circumstances, and falling asleep at the wheel. • Alcohol or Drug use causes inattention to driving, FAULTY Decision Making and Delayed Responses

24. Avoid Distracted Driving

25. Cell Phone Use Have passengers make calls if possible Safely stop vehicle before calling out Avoid answering incoming calls while driving Maps and Directions Study directions prior to departure Stop in a safe place if lost or you need to refresh directions Utilize passengers to help if possible Common Driver Distractions to Control or Avoid

26. Food Should be consumed when stopped, before leaving or after arriving Unfamiliar Equipment Radio should be pre-set before leaving Learn lights, blinkers, emergency flashers, emergency brake, and air / heat controls BEFORE leaving Distractions to Avoid, Cont’d

27. Driver attention to safety is the most important factor in avoiding accidents. NHTSA Strongly encourages continued training for drivers of 15 passenger vans to reduce rollover accidents More passengers increases the risk of rollover accidents If you feel uncomfortable with driving 15 passenger vans enroll in a professional training course Conclusions:

28. www.thomcoins.com Office of Insurance Management, Idaho Department of Administration National Highway Traffic Safety Administration http://www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/pdf/nrd-12/15vanRollNote.pdf Credits: