What risks can lead to van accidents?

In a 15-passenger van, the design of the vehicle has a higher center of gravity than other vehicles. The more people there are riding in the van, the greater at risk you are for rollover. In fact, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that the likelihood of rollover is three times greater for vans with 10 or more passengers than for those that are carrying fewer passengers. With the increase in passengers, the van’s center of gravity shifts upward and to the rear, making it more prone to rolling over.

Blind spots

Similar to trucks, the size of blind spots for vans are greater than for passenger vehicles. This factor becomes most relevant when changing lanes, turning at intersections or driving in reverse. When blind spots cover a larger area, smaller vehicles in particular become harder to see.

Higher Speed Limits

When speed limits are 55 mph or higher, the speed heightens the instability of top-heavy, tall vehicles, like vans. NHTSA reports that in 40% of fatal rollovers, excessive speed was a factor. In addition, most of these fatalities have occurred on roads with higher posted speed limits.

In a 15-passenger van, the design of the vehicle has a higher center of gravity than other vehicles. The more people there are riding in the van, the greater at risk you are for rollover. In fact, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that the likelihood of rollover is three times greater for vans with 10 or more passengers than for those that are carrying fewer passengers. With the increase in passengers, the van’s center of gravity shifts upward and to the rear, making it more prone to rolling over.

Persons driving vans are often staff, employees or even volunteers who lack special training for large vehicle driving. Vans are more like trucks, which demand different braking, turning, and lane changing techniques. The need for skilled driving is particularly true when driving at high speeds and when the vans are fully loaded with passengers or cargo.

Blind spots

Similar to trucks, the size of blind spots for vans are greater than for passenger vehicles. This factor becomes most relevant when changing lanes, turning at intersections or driving in reverse. When blind spots cover a larger area, smaller vehicles in particular become harder to see.

While inflating the tires is important for any vehicle, it becomes vital with vans. Failure to check the tires and ensure proper inflation can lead to tire failure. The driver can lose control during a blowout. Not only can low tire pressure lead to blowouts, it also makes vans unstable and less responsive, increases to risk of rollover and creates longer distances for braking due to reduced traction.

Higher Speed Limits

of top-heavy, tall vehicles, like vans. NHTSA reports that in 40% of fatal rollovers excessive speed was a factor. In addition, most of these fatalities occurred on roads with higher posted speed limits.