The Use of Fifteen Passenger Vans

Does your church own a 15-passenger van? Does the church use it to transport children, youth, and adults for mission tripe, retreats, or other programs? If you answer YES to these questions, here is some information about the safety of these vehicles and the risks associated with the use of them.

While fifteen passenger vans are commonly used by preschools, colleges, athletic teams, church groups, and transit services, they pose a dangerous risk to the lives and safety to passengers.  In April 2001, the Department of Transportation issued a rare consumer advisory warning users of the rollover risk associated with fully loaded 15-passenger vans.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's (NHTSA) analysis revealed that loading a 15-passenger van causes the center of gravity to shift rearward and upward, increasing the likelihood of rollover. The shift in the center of gravity increases the potential for loss of control in panic maneuvers. The report concluded that “the risk of rollover increases dramatically as the number of occupants increases from fewer than five occupants to over ten passengers.” The results of the NHTSA testing indicated that, when loaded with 10 or more passengers, the rollover risk was triple the risk of the same van carrying five or fewer passengers.

According to Fatality Accident Reporting Statistics (FARS) data, fifteen passenger vans have been involved in 280 fatal single vehicle rollovers for the model years 1981-1999. The prevailing pattern in 15-passenger van single vehicle accidents is vehicle rollover following a rear tire blowout. There were 2,513 people involved in these crashes, 432 were killed and 881 received incapacitating injuries. Of the 2,513 people involved in these crashes, only 109 avoided a potential injury. Seatbelts provided no guarantee of safety, 39 seatbelt wearers were killed and another 159 were seriously injured.

Under current regulations passenger vans are regulated by the Federal government as buses rather than passenger cars or trucks because of their large seating capacity. However, due to their lack of many safety features integral to school bus design, such as protective seating, emergency exits, special mirrors, special structural strength, and modified fuel systems, 15-passenger vans are considered nonconforming vehicles. Today, it is illegal under federal law for new 15-passenger vans to be sold for school use because the vans do not meet the federally mandated safety standards for school buses. However, because the federal law only pertains to the manufacture and initial sale of these vehicles, used 15-passenger vans can be and frequently are sold to schools and churches for the transport of children.

As a result of several horrible rollover crashes that involved church groups in the Summer of 2001, the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration REISSUED its consumer safety advisory in April 2002. If your congregation uses a fifteen passenger van for church trips, it is suggested that you go to the NHTSA website www.nhtsa.dot.gov to see the text of the consumer safety advisory. You will also be able to get a copy of the NHTSA pamphlet, "Reducing the Risk of Rollover Crashes in 15-Passenger Vans" at the website.  Also, your church’s insurance company will be aware of the risks associated with fifteen passenger vans. 

If your congregation is contemplating a trip using a van, or is considering purchasing a new vehicle for church use, then call with your insurance company before you purchase the vehicle or take the trip for more detailed guidelines.

A few of the guidelines recommended by the NHTSA include:

·          loading fewer than ten occupants

·           loading occupants only from the front of the van

·           require each occupant to wear a seat belt at all times

·           no loading of cargo on the roof of the van

·           use only well rested drivers

·           use only drivers who have had specific training on the use of these vehicles

·           inspect the tires monthly for proper inflation and wear

·           keep the gas tank full.

This site seeks to provide accurate information in regard to the subject matter covered. It is given with the understanding that the author is not engaged in rendering legal, accounting, or other professional service. If legal advice or other expert assistance is required, the services of a competent professional person should be sought.