Rollover prevention tips and safe operating guidelines

Multi-passenger vans do not operate like automobiles

• Height of vehicle increases rollover potential
• Length of vehicle increases stopping distance
• Width of vans is NOT a significant enough factor to improve the safety of the vehicle

Center of gravity and rollover potential

• The higher the center of gravity the more prone a vehicle is to rollover hazards
• Center of gravity for vans varies depending on several factors
  • Center of gravity is higher due to shape and size
  • Center of gravity rises with passenger weight or equipment
  • Normal vehicle center of gravity is at bumper height providing stability
• When a van is filled to capacity the center or gravity can be as high as the steering wheel!
• Quick maneuvers such as turns, striking curbs, veering off pavement, and over compensating all commonly result in van rollover accidents
• High center of gravity = compromised stability

Importance of tire pressure

• Proper tire pressure is the most important part of maintaining tires
• Under inflation and overloading are major causes of tire failure
• Purchase an accurate tire pressure gauge
• Inspect tires regularly, at least once a month for overall condition and irregular wear
• Observe tire pressure and vehicle load limits
• You can’t tell if tires are properly inflated by just looking at them

Road run off hazards

• Rural roads have higher drops off the side leading to more rollovers
• Fatigued drivers drift off the road
• Over-correcting for running off road results in rollover
• Practice attentive and non-distracted driving
• Maintain appropriate travel speed for the conditions
• Avoid driving when tired or impaired by drugs or alcohol

Avoiding rollovers during a panic situation

• Take your foot off the gas
• Avoid sudden braking
• Allow gradual slowing from gravity
• Do not turn the steering wheel sharply
• Minor damage suffered from leaving the roadway is okay compared to the potential seriousness of a rollover accident

Turning tips

• Left turns
  • Begin turning farther forward into the intersection to allow for the longer length of the van
• Be sure to allow extra room in the intersection so as you turn, the longer van length will not strike other vehicles waiting to enter from the left

• Right turns
  • Prevent the right rear tire from hitting the curb by approaching the intersection from the left side of the right lane
• Turn on your turn signal early
• Check your mirrors frequently

Backing safely

• If possible, plan ahead to park where backing will not be necessary
• When backing, if possible, back towards to driver’s side
• If in a difficult backing situation, try to use a spotter
• Use mirrors frequently
• Perform the backing maneuver slowly

Passenger safety

• Always park on level surface when loading and unloading passengers
• Provide assistance if special needs exist
• When unloading children, perform a full inspection of the van to make sure no passengers remain when exiting
• Always verify numbers of children

Parking considerations

• Try to park in a manner that allows you to leave by pulling forward rather than backing out
• It is better to back into a parking space after you arrive at a destination rather than backing out when you are leaving
• Set the parking brake as a matter of habit
• Always place the gear in the park position
• Turn off electrical accessories
• Close windows
• Remove the keys and lock the doors

Mirror use

• Adjust mirrors before starting vehicle
• Have a passenger assist if necessary
• Side mirrors help reduce blind spots but do not completely eliminate them in some cases
• Scan rear-view mirror and side mirrors every 5 to 10 seconds while driving
• Proper mirror usage reduces panic responses which lead to rollover accidents

General safe driving tips

• Nothing is more important than safe arrival at your destination
• Plan ahead to avoid late departures which lead to unsafe driving habits
• Always wear your seat belt and make sure passengers are wearing seatbelts before you leave
• Practice courteous driving and yield to other traffic when safe to do so

Poor weather conditions

• Consider postponing trip if possible
• Reduce speed in rain, fog, snow, or ice conditions
• Increase your viewing distance ahead to include several vehicles,  not just the one immediately in front of you
• Windy conditions can create increased rollover potential for 15 passenger vans – be aware of wind from weather and sudden gusts from passing trucks

Avoid driving impaired

• Know when it is not safe for you to be driving
• Fatigue and lack of sleep cause inattention to driving, delayed response to circumstances, and falling asleep at the wheel
• Alcohol or drug use causes inattention to driving, faulty decision making, and delayed responses

Common driver distractions to control or avoid

• Cell phone use
• Have passengers make calls if possible
• Safely stop vehicle before calling out
• Avoid answering incoming calls while driving
• Maps and directions
• Study directions prior to departure
• Stop in a safe place if lost or you need to refresh directions
• Utilize passengers to help if possible
• Food
• Should be consumed when stopped, before leaving, or after arriving
• Unfamiliar equipment
• Radio should be pre-set before leaving
• Learn lights, blinkers, emergency flashers, emergency brake, and air/heat controls before leaving

Conclusion

• Driver attention to safety is the most important factor in avoiding accidents
• NHTSA strongly encourages continued training for drivers of 15 passenger vans to reduce rollover accidents
• More passengers increases the risk of rollover accidents
• If you feel uncomfortable with driving 15 passenger vans, enroll in a professional training course

Credits

• Markel Specialty
• Office of Insurance Management, Idaho Department of Administration
• National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
• For additional passenger van safety resources, visit the following link from the U.S. Department of Transportation

Related article

• NHTSA's top safety recommendations for 15-passenger van use