Vans, especially 15-passenger vans, are a popular type of vehicle used by summer camps, youth organizations, churches, sports teams and other groups to transport participants when there are usually too many people for a passenger car or minivan but not enough to justify the expense of a full-sized bus. However, 15-passenger vans are not like cars; they handle differently, and major van design safety issues can cause an inexperienced driver to lose control of the vehicle.
If you or someone you love will be riding in a 15-passenger vehicle in Maryland this summer, here are a few ways to improve passenger van safety:
- Check tires before every outing, and inflate properly if necessary. Under-inflated tires increase the risk that the van will roll over or crash if the driver loses control or has to make an emergency maneuver.
- Have drivers trained in how to drive a fully-loaded 15-passenger van. Make sure the driver always has adequate rest, and reduce driver distractions, like cell phones, when the vehicle is in motion.
- Require seat belts be put on and kept on whenever the van is running. Seat belts are the best protection in a 15-passenger van rollover.
- Load the van front to back, keeping weight in front of the rear axle as much as possible. Weight in the back increases the chances of a rollover.
Passenger van accidents can be caused by a number of factors. If you or someone you care for has been injured in a 15-passenger van accident, the skilled Waldorf vehicle accident attorneys at Alpert Schreyer can help. Call us today at (844) 632-7274 or (301) 932-9997 for a free case evaluation to learn more about your legal options.