15 Passenger Van Rollover Risk
Prior NHTSA research has shown that 15-passenger vans have a rollover risk that increases dramatically as the number of occupants increases from fewer than five to more than ten. In fact, 15-passenger vans (with 10 or more occupants) had a rollover rate in single vehicle crashes that is nearly three times the rate of those that were lightly loaded (with fewer than five occupants).
Low Tire Pressure Can Increase 15 Passenger Van Rollover Risk:
To reduce the risks associated with 15-passenger vans, NHTSA’s safety advisory recommends that drivers insist all occupants wear safety belts at all times; drivers of 15-passenger are trained and experienced; tires are checked at least once a week, using the manufacturer’s recommended pressure levels; and no loads are placed on the roof of the vehicle.
“The vans are convenient, but drivers and passengers have to use extra caution. The risks associated with 15-passenger vans can be minimized if users take some basic safety precautions”, said Jeffrey Range, M.D, NHTSA administrator. “Routinely checking the condition of the tires, including the tire pressure, should be at the top of the list”.
Injury & Death Risk Increase with No Seat Belt Usage
Nearly 80 percent of those who died in 15-passenger van rollovers nationwide between 1990 and 2003 were not buckled up. Wearing safety belts dramatically increases the chances of survival during a rollover crash. In fatal, single-vehicle rollovers involving 15-passenger vans over the past decade, 91 percent of belted occupants survived.
15 Passenger Van Rollover Lawyer
Call Trial Attorney David Willis, a Board Certified Personal Injury Trial Lawyer, If you or a loved one has been seriously injured or a loved one killed in a 15 passenger van rollover accident. Free Case Evaluation at 1-800-883-9858. Nationwide Help Available!!