PROTECTING OUR CHILDREN

Because organizations continue to use them in an unsafe way, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has reissued a warning to users of 15-passenger vans—commonly used by churches. These vans take longer to stop and are less stable during sharp turns, but many drivers haven’t been trained on the differences. Worse, people that wouldn’t think of letting children ride in their family car without fastening their seat belts frequently don’t insist on seat belt use in vans. But according to the advisory at NHTSA, 76% of those who died in accidents in these vans weren’t wearing a seat belt!

The NHTSA is reissuing its warning to notify organizations (“particularly religious and youth groups”) that the chance of rollover increases dramatically as the number of occupants increases. In fact, a 15-passenger vans with a full passenger load has a rollover risk five times greater than a vehicle containing only a driver. The analysis shows that the risk of rollover increases significantly at speeds over 50 miles per hour and on curved roads. The NHTSA makes the following recommendations:

• Require all occupants to use their seat belts or the appropriate child restraint. Nearly 80% of those who have died nationwide in 15-passenger vans were not buckled up. Wearing seat belts dramatically increases the chances of survival during a rollover crash.
• If possible, seat passengers and place any cargo forward of the rear axle, and avoid placing any loads on the roof. By doing so, you’ll lower the vehicle’s center of gravity and lower the chances of rollover.
• Check at least once per month that the van’s tires are properly inflated and the tread is not worn down. Excessively worn or improperly inflated tires can lead to a loss-of-control situation and a rollover.
• Use caution on both interstates and rural roads to avoid running off the road. If your van’s wheels should drift off the roadway, gradually slow down and steer back on the road when safe to do so. Most 15-passenger van rollovers occur at high speeds as a result of a sudden steering maneuver such as an overcorrection.
• As a driver, ensure that you’re well rested and alert. Always maintain a safe speed for weather and road conditions. The agency recommends that only trained and experienced drivers should operate 15-passenger vans.