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15-Passenger Van Safety15-Passenger Van Safety

30th

Medical Brigade

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IntroductionIntroduction

15-Passenger Vans & Safety Concerns

Response to NHTSA Report

Classroom Training

Practical Hands On Training

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VocabularyVocabulary

 NHTSA – National HighwayTransportation Safety Administration.

 NSC – National Safety CouncilCDL – Commercial Driver’s License

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NHTSA ReportNHTSA Report

15-passenger vans have a increased rolloverrisk under certain conditions

The risk of rollover increases dramatically asthe number of occupants increases from fewerthan five occupants to over ten passengers.

15-passenger vans (with 10 or more

occupants) had a rollover rate in single vehiclecrashes that is nearly 3 x the rate of those thatwere lightly loaded.

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NHTSA Report (continued)NHTSA Report (continued)

Loading 15-passenger vans causes the centerof gravity to shift rearward and upwardincreasing the likelihood of rollover. Shift in

the center of gravity will also increase thepotential for loss of control in panicmaneuvers.

It is important that the van be operated by

experienced drivers, they should understandand be familiar with the handlingcharacteristics of their vans, especially whenfully loaded.

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NHTSA Reports (continued)NHTSA Reports (continued)

Institutions using 15-passenger vansshould require seat belt use at all times.

Any load placed on the roof will be abovethe center of gravity of the vehicle and willincrease the likelihood of rolling over.

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Accident FactsAccident Facts

25% of all driving accidents are the resultof excessive speed.

70% of driving accidents occur within 25miles from home.

1 out of 4 employees who drive experience

an accident while at work.Most people know someone who has died

in a car accident.

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15-Passenger Van Facts15-Passenger Van FactsA speed that may be acceptable in a passenger

car could be dangerous in a van.A 16 passenger vehicle requires a CDL

You should fill the front seats first. Thecenter of gravity shifts to the rear and upwardincreasing the likelihood of rollover ascapacity increases.

Soft shoulders and culverts pose a hazard inrural areas.

The shift in the center of gravity will alsoincrease the potential for loss of control inpanic maneuvers.

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Driving TipsDriving Tips

For all kinds of vehicles.Defensive Driving Theories

Dealing with aggressive drivers Backing the vehicleHighway drivingCity Driving

Rural Driving Emergency situationsVehicle accidents

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Driving Tips for all vehiclesDriving Tips for all vehicles

Avoid sharp turns.Avoid excessive speed and abrupt maneuvers.

Don’t drive tired.Don’t drive in bad weatherDrive conservativelyRest stops often (every 2 hrs. recommended)

Wear seat beltsDrive during the day, if possible.Require someone to be awake in the front seat

with the driver on long trips

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For all vehicles (continued)For all vehicles (continued)

Trip leader to drive lead vehicle and set

 pace. . .no other vehicle shall pass.Obey all laws, signs and speed limits.

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Defensive Driving TheoriesDefensive Driving Theories

Drive with courtesy

Be calm when driving

Concentrate when drivingDrive cautiously

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Dealing With AggressiveDealing With Aggressive

DriversDriversAvoid eye contact.

Don’t cut in front of other drivers.

Allow fellow drivers to mergeDon’t aggravate fellow drivers with hand

gestures.

Don’t tailgate.Use your horn sparingly.

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Backing The VehicleBacking The Vehicle

Use a spotter 

Back to the left (driver’s side)

Avoid backing up if you miss a ramp/exit.Use outside mirrors.

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Highway DrivingHighway Driving

Lane changes and signals.

Merges

Blind SpotsSlow moving vehicles

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City DrivingCity Driving

Stop signs

Stop lights

Yield Signs Signals

Blind spots

Pedestrians

Bicyclist

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Rural DrivingRural Driving

Bicyclist

Walkers

Deer/MooseSoft shoulders

Culverts

Curves, hills and narrow roads

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Emergency SituationsEmergency Situations

Encountering emergency vehicles

Headlights go out

Tire blow outEngine failure

Break Failure

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Vehicle AccidentVehicle Accident

RelaxNever leave the scene of an accident! You must

stay until the local police/polizei have arrived.Also report the accident to the nearest Military

Police immediately or as soon as possible.Never admit fault.Gather all the facts (date, time, witnesses, phone

numbers, etc.). Contact the TMP Motor Pool. Immediately report all accidents to your Staff 

Duty NCO and your Unit Safety Officer.