15 Passenger Van Rollover Accident Overview

Past NHTSA research has shown that 15-passenger vans have an increased rollover risk as the number of occupants increases from fewer than five to more than ten. When a 15-passenger van is loaded with 10 or more occupants, the rollover rate in single vehicle crashes is nearly three times the rollover rate of 15 passenger vans that were loaded with fewer than five occupants. According to NHTSA, nearly 80 percent of those who died in 15-passenger van rollovers nationwide between 1990 and 2003 were not buckled up. As all safety studies show, wearing safety belts dramatically increases the chances of survival during a rollover crash. In fatal, single-vehicle rollovers involving 15-passenger vans over the past decade, 91 percent of belted occupants survived. In many 15 passenger van rollovers however, it has been shown that the seatbelts came open during the roll over due to design flaws in many of the seatbelt buckle systems found on 15 passenger vans. Due to the tremendous forces during a rollover, a passenger that is not belted or whose belt comes open or unlatches during the rollover, ejection from the van through a door or window is probable.

The Problem with Fifteen (15) Passenger Vans

As stated above a 15-passenger van (with 10 or more occupants) had a rollover rate in single vehicle crashes that's nearly three times the rate of those that were not fully loaded. The rollover analysis revealed that loading the 15-passenger van causes a shifting of the center of gravity rearward and upward, increasing the likelihood of van rollover. This shift in the center of gravity also increases the potential for loss of control in panic maneuvers, emergency braking and sudden avoidance situations. NHTSA officials said there are about 1.4 million 15-passenger vans registered in the United States. The agency identified a number of 15-passenger models including Ford Econoline E350, Chevrolet Express 3500, GMC Savana G3500, GMC Rally / Vandura G3500 and Dodge Ram Van/Wagon B3500. While new federal laws prohibit the sale and use of 15-passenger vans for the school-related transport of high school age and younger students, no such prohibition exists for vehicles to transport college students or other passengers with churches, carpools or commercial ventures.

15 Passenger Van Rollover Prevention & Recommendations

In order to help reduce the chances of a rollover in a 15 passenger van, recommendations by NHTSA and other safety groups must be strictly enforced. Should you temporarily need to continue to use these potentially dangerous vehicles, the following recommendations are based on those made by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the National Transportation Safety Board and GuideOne Insurance for lowering the risk of rollover in 15 passenger vans.

• Screen all drivers: it is best to require that drivers obtain a commercial driver's license
• Remove the rear seat of the van to reduce loading behind the vehicle's rear axle
• Limit the capacity to 9 persons including the driver, which dramatically reduces the risk of rollover
• Check and maintain proper tire pressure in the 15 passenger van and spare
• Load forward seats first at all times
• Communicate with passengers, parents and other parties about the high risks and proper safety rules to help lower the chance of a rollover
• Do NOT tow anything behind the vehicle or load the roof
• Do NOT use the back cargo area. Prohibit it from being loaded and used as a storage area
• Conduct a full safety inspection of the vehicle, including all tires, pre- and post-trip (tire blowouts are particularly dangerous and often lead to rollovers)
• Include safety items on board, such as a fire extinguisher, first aid kit and cellular phone (which should not be used during driving)
• Require ALL passengers and the driver to wear proper safety restraints any time the vehicle is in motion.
• Replace all affected 15 passenger vans that have not been updated or retrofitted to make safe. Check with your local van dealer to get more information on what is available.

NHTSA 15 Passenger Van Warnings Have Helped

According to NHTSA, the public is responding to safety information about 15-passenger vans and rollovers. Fatalities from 15-passenger van rollover crashes have declined 35 percent since advisories began in 2001. While Federal law prohibits the sale of 15-passenger vans for the school-related transport of high school age and younger students, no such prohibition exists for vehicles to transport college students or other passengers.

Free 15 Passenger Van Rollover Evaluation

If you or a loved one have been seriously injured or a loved one killed in a rollover accident involving a 15 passenger van and you believe that defective design of the van or the negligence of others caused your injuries or losses, then e-mail us your questions and concerns on our Free Online Case Evaluation Form or call for a Free Confidential Rollover Case Evaluation at 1-800-883-9858. Nationwide Help is Available!