On August 10, a full-size, 2010 GMC Savana van carrying school-aged children on a field trip in New Hampshire left the highway and struck a tree head on. Although the crash was serious, only one of the 13 passengers was seriously injured. “It appears seat belts saved a lot of lives today,” one state trooper told the a regional news affiliate while on-site at the crash.
“These children—most or all—were wearing seat belts.”Happily, seat belts prevented a far worse outcome. But this highlights the fact that full-size vans, while rarely used for routes to and from school, are still used to transport groups of school-aged children for other purposes.While they may seem to be a practical transportation solution, full-size vans, especially 15-passenger vans, are known to be less safe than most other vehicles, mainly due to their propensity to roll over. Therefore, NHTSA and other organizations have issued warnings to the public regarding the use of these vehicles.
Passenger Van Driver Training
NHTSA’s basic safety messages for using these vans are paraphrased at the bottom of this page.Beyond issuing warnings, NHTSA regulates the ability of schools to buy 15-passenger vans for the regular transportation of children, most recently through the: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU). Although these regulations stymie the ability of schools to use 15-passenger vans for student transportation, they cannot entirely prohibit it, as described in the NHTSA Q&A later in this article. However, school use of these vans is prohibited by law in most states, and of the few states that do allow their use, many limit that use to taking students between schools or to/from activities. (To find a of the vehicles allowed for transporting students, go.)NHTSA has also made newer 15-passenger vans much safer by requiring that they be equipped with electronic stability control (ESC) technology, which greatly reduces the likelihood of a rollover.
15-Passenger VansThe vehicle design of 15 passenger vans requires drivers and passengers to be aware of some unique limitations and techniques regarding the operation, handling and packing that will help ensure a safe trip.AAA recommends the following driver safety tips: Pre-Driving Preparation. First and foremost, make sure all passengers are using seat belts. Carry no more passengers than available seatbelts. Secure all cargo carefully, and avoid using the rear-most storage area.
Be aware of any blind spots in the front and sides of the vehicle. Check with your state’s Department of Vehicle services for special any special licensing and training requirements. Some states require a commercial driver’s license.Driving, Operation & Handling. Recognize that these vehicles are not automobiles. The design features of these vehicles –longer length, additional weight, especially when fully loaded, and higher center of gravity – make them more difficult to drive and control in emergency situations, and under certain weather conditions, such as high winds.
15 passenger vans require more time (distance) to accelerate, turn and stop. Steering and braking maneuvers at highway speeds must be performed gradually and smoothly to minimize large weight shifts that can lead to loss of control. Understand that the vehicle weighs more than other passenger vehicles and braking distance is greater. World war strategy army game low pc omaha. When entering a highway, allow more room to merge into traffic because of the size of the vehicle and its diminished acceleration capability.
15 Passenger Van Safety Description: Driving a van isnot like driving a car. 15-passenger vans are more susceptible torollovers, blind spots, weight distribution issues and special handlingrequirements. Take this course to learn the things you need to knowabout driving a 15-passenger van so you can prevent avoidable collisionsand injuries. Make sure you and your passengers reach your destination.Ideal learners: 15-passenger van driversObjectives:.Differences between driving a 15-passenger van and driving a car.Effective driving preparation strategies to maximize safety.Safe van-driving techniques.Procedures to safely conclude a tripDuration: 31 minLanguage: Written EnglishOnline Price: $24.99InLab Price: $27.99Disclaimer:Due to lower volume, OSCA affiliate locations will be charging higher base prices than what appears on the OSCA website.
15 Passenger Van Test Answers
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