Why are 15-passenger vans not safe?
In 2001, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) published original research indicating that 15-passenger vans, especially those that are heavily loaded with passengers or other cargo, are at a high risk of rollover. Vans with the driver as the only occupant are five times less likely to rollover.
Are newer 15-passenger vans safer?
NHTSA has also made newer 15-passenger vans much safer by requiring that they be equipped with electronic stability control (ESC) technology, which greatly reduces the likelihood of a rollover.
Are 15-passenger vans safe for kids?
A federal law prohibits schools from buying, renting, or leasing new 15-passenger vans for transporting students to and from school-related activities, unless the vans meet all of the safety requirements as school buses. The NHTSA recommends that these vans not be used to transport preschool and school-age children.
Is it difficult to drive a 15-passenger van?
They’re not “difficult” to drive, but 12/15 passenger vans, especially the 15 passenger variety, have been the subject of special NTSB and NHTSA studies, because they have a higher rollover rate and higher fatality rate than other vehicles, and are frequently found to have underinflated tires (this might apply to all …
Can I drive a 15-passenger van with a regular license?
Experience: Fifteen-passenger vans should only be driven by experienced, licensed drivers who operate this type of vehicle on a regular basis. A commercial driver’s license is ideal. Remember that 15-passenger vans require additional braking time and cannot handle abrupt maneuvers the way cars can.
Are 15 passenger vans safe in snow?
Passing – Passing other vehicles in 15 passenger vans is never advisable, but can be even more dangerous in winter weather. Never pass snow plows or sanding trucks. The drivers of these vehicles have limited visibility and the roads in front of them are typically much worse.
Why do 15-passenger vans roll over?
A van’s tires, including the spare tire, need to be properly inflated and the tread should not be worn down. Excessively worn or improperly inflated tires can lead to a loss of vehicle control and possibly a rollover.
What is considered the most unsafe time to drive a passenger van?
The Most Dangerous Time of the Day to Drive The most dangerous time of the day on the road is the two hours from 5 pm to 7 pm. During evening rush hour, the roads are congested.
Do you have to have CDL to drive a 15-passenger van?
Experience: Fifteen-passenger vans should only be driven by experienced, licensed drivers who operate this type of vehicle on a regular basis. A commercial driver’s license is ideal. It’s important to know that 15-passenger vans handle differently than cars, especially when fully loaded.
Does a 15-passenger van fit in a parking space?
Parking: Since 15 passenger vans are much longer than average vehicles they will not fit in standard parking spaces. Also, due to the difficulty associated with backing 15 passenger vans, parking spaces should enable the driver to pull forward when leaving the spot.
Does 15-passenger van include driver?
A 15 seater van has four rows of seats behind the driver and passenger front seats. A 12 seater van has three rows of seats behind the front passenger and driver seats. Quick note: The passenger count for each type of van includes the driver. So a 15 passenger van has 15 total seat belts, including the driver.
Is a 15-passenger van considered oversized?
To get technical, an over-sized vehicle is one that is at least 180 inches (15’1″) long and/or 70 inches (5’10”) high. Any vehicle that meets or exceeds these dimensions is subject to the over-sized vehicle charge.
What makes 15 passenger vans so dangerous?
Many New York van rollover attorneys argue that what makes 15-passenger vans so dangerous is design flaw. They are higher than most other vehicles, and therefore have a higher center of gravity. This renders them unstable, particularly when they travel at speeds above 50 mph. Put the van on a curved or rain-slickened road, and the risk is even
What is the safest passenger van?
The safest minivan is the 2017 Chrysler Pacifica. That’s a qualified judgement based on its class-leading safety features and not on independent crash testing, which had not been conducted in time for this report.
What is a 15 passenger van?
A 15-passenger van is: a large light-duty vehicle with some characteristics of a heavy duty vehicle. It usually has 5 rows of seats and can transport up to 15 or 16 people, including the driver.