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Vans designed to hold ten or more occupants, including the driver, are known as full-size vans. They are a common sight on California roads, as they are convenient for daycare transportation, taking senior citizens to events, getting a team of athletes to practice or competition, carpooling with several other employees to work, or getting a group of teens to a youth program. All of which explains why these larger vehicles are in high demand. However, if drivers of 15-passenger vans are inexperienced or act negligently, they may pose a risk not only to themselves but also to their passengers and anyone else in the vicinity.
To help keep everyone safe, all van occupants should wear seatbelts at all times while the van is in motion. Individuals who operate 15-passenger vans should receive training and gain experience. Air pressure in the tires should be checked at least once a week. If they are low, they should be filled to the manufacturer’s specifications. No loads should be stored on the roof of the van.
Adhere To These Safety Precautions For Large Capacity Vans
Drivers need to know that large-capacity vans may resemble minivans, but driving them feels distinctly different. Drivers and their passengers must exercise caution to minimize the risks of large van accidents.
Individuals who drive 15-passenger vans should consider the following safety advice:
- Experience — A 15-passenger van drives differently than other vehicles, especially when it is completely full. Anyone operating this vehicle should ideally have considerable experience. In California, you are required to have a commercial driver’s license to operate a 15-passenger van.
- Attention — Your focus on the road and safe driving can help keep everyone safe. Don’t drive more than eight hours in a 24-hour period, and stay well-rested. Avoid distractions like using a handheld phone or conversing with passengers in the van.
- Speed — Don’t go over the posted speed limit. Keep in mind that you will need to reduce your speed according to weather and road conditions. A 15-passenger van can be more difficult to maneuver and may need ample time to come to a full stop.
- Seat Belts — The driver and all passengers should wear seatbelts at all times. The seatbelts should be inspected regularly. If they are missing pieces or are broken, they should be replaced promptly. Don’t drive or ride in a large van without a seatbelt, as an unrestrained occupant is four times as likely to be killed compared to a restrained occupant in a single-vehicle accident.
- Tire Pressure — Before each trip, the van’s tires should be checked for the appropriate air pressure levels and tread. All tires, including the spare, should be properly inflated and have sufficient tread. If tires are lacking tread or air, the vehicle may go out of control, which can result in a serious rollover accident. The recommended tire pressure and size, according to your vehicle’s manufacturer, can usually be found on the driver’s side pillar or in the owner’s manual. Take note that the required air pressure can differ between the front and the back tires.
- Spares — Tires weaken as they age, even those that are not used. If your 15-passenger van has an older spare tire, it should be replaced with a new one. You can determine the age by locating the Tire Identification Number (TIN) on the sidewall of the tire. The last four digits of the number represent the week and year of manufacture. For example, if the last four digits are 0119, the tire was made in January of 2019.
- Occupancy — The van should not carry more people than it was designed to. The seats should be filled from front to back. If the van is not full, the passengers should sit in the seats in front of the rear axle.
- Cargo — Do not overload your van or place cargo on the roof. Store the cargo in front of the rear axle. Adhere to the maximum weight of passengers and cargo as well as the van’s towing capability, which can be found in the owner’s manual.
- Size — A 15-passenger van is much longer and wider than most cars and trucks on the road. It needs more space to maneuver. When changing lanes, rely heavily on the side-view mirrors.
- Reduce the Risk of a Rollover — Rollovers are more likely to occur when items are placed on top of large vans or tow trailers. Overloading a 15-passenger van with passengers or cargo will also increase the risk of an accident. To help prevent rollovers, passengers should be seated evenly from side to side and sit near the front of the vehicle. This allows the van to have more balance.
- Passenger Loading/Unloading — When your passengers are getting on and off the van, use good judgment. Pickup and drop-off should be done in a way that does not require passengers to cross traffic. Passengers should also avoid standing near the front or rear of the van when boarding or exiting, and refrain from lingering in these areas while the vehicle is stopped.
Documented Certified Training Required For Public Employees
Since January 1, 2007, the Occupational Safety & Health Standards Board (OSHSB) has required documented certified training for all public employees who drive full-size vans. The certification must include a hands-on exercise. Refresher training needs to be completed at least once every three years.
Utilize Driver Assistance Technologies
Driver assistance technologies equip drivers and vehicles to help maintain safety on the road. Studies suggest that technologies such as electronic stability control, forward collision warning, and lane assist have the potential to address up to 94 percent of fatal crashes involving human error. Electronic stability control in modern 15-passenger vans has helped reduce the risk of rollover accidents. Several other driver assistance technologies can help keep you and your passengers safe in a van.
Hurt In A Passenger Van Accident? Consult With Our California Injury Lawyers
Looking for legal support after an accident? Schedule a free initial consultation with an experienced California personal injury lawyer from our firm. Contact Arash Law at (888) 488-1391 or complete our “Do I Have A Case?” form.
We offer our legal services to injury victims in California, including San Francisco, Riverside, San Jose, San Diego, Sacramento, Sherman Oaks, and other areas. Our dedicated lawyers are committed to helping clients pursue compensation for their injuries and losses.
