Below are tips for drivers to minimize the risk of
a rollover crash and serious injury:
Avoid conditions that lead to a loss of control. Never drive while
under the influence of alcohol or other drugs. Make sure you are well
rested and attentive, and always slow down if the roads are wet or
icy.
Drive cautiously on rural roads. Be particularly cautious on curved
rural roads and maintain a safe speed to avoid running off the road.
If your wheels drop off the roadway, or pavement, gradually reduce
speed and steer back onto the roadway when it is safe to do so.
Make sure your tires are properly inflated and the tread is not worn
down because improper inflation can cause handling problems and can
lead to catastrophic tire failures, such as blowouts and worn tires
can cause your van to slide sideways on wet or slippery pavement.
When a 15-passenger van is not full, passengers should sit in seats
that are in front of the rear axle.
More than 15 people should never be allowed to ride in a 15-passenger
van.
Because a 15-passenger van is substantially longer and wider than
a car, it:
Requires more space and additional reliance on the side-view mirrors
for changing lanes,
Does not respond as well to abrupt steering maneuvers, and
Requires additional braking time.
If you’d like to read NHTSA’s full recommendations
on passenger vans, please click
here.
