Safe Travels: 15-Passenger Vans

As the weather warms, the need for reliable transportation increases. Your organization may be busy planning youth activities, outdoor athletic events and other day trips. It’s time to prepare your 15-passenger van and drivers for the season.

 

Driver Requirements

Your organization should develop a list of necessary qualifications for drivers who operate a 15-passenger van. All drivers should be carefully screened and must have at least one of the following:

1. A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), or
2. A Certificate of Completion of a defensive driving course that includes the following:

• Four (4) hours of instruction time.
• Testing with written results.
• Driver certification.

Internet-based programs are acceptable for defensive driving courses. See the National Safety Council for examples of acceptable courses.

 

Vehicle Care and Maintenance

Taking care of your vehicle is an important aspect of keeping your drivers and passengers safe. Take these precautions when using your vehicle:

• Complete pre- and post-trip inspections of the vehicle using our Vehicle Self-Inspection Checklist.
• Have your vehicle inspected by a mechanic as soon as you notice any potential concerns with the vehicle.
• Keep the gas tank as full as possible.

Please review the below information regarding tire safety for your 15-passenger van:

• Buy high quality tires that are rated load range E.
• Check your owner’s manual or door pillar for correct tire pressures.
• Have the suspension and steering components inspected according to the manufacturer’s recommended schedule.
• Repair or replace suspension and steering component as needed.
• Make sure that tires have a tread depth greater than 1/8 inch.
• Replace 15-passenger van tires that are over 5 years old.
• Do not use spare tires as your replacement tires unless necessary.

Taking care of your vehicle will not only keep your drivers and passengers safe, but it may also increase the lifespan of your vehicle.

 

Passenger Safety

Drivers and passengers share responsibility for safety during any trip. Make sure your drivers follow the below safety measures and require passengers to follow posted guidelines:

• Develop a list of passenger safety rules and post the list in your vehicle.
• Require seatbelt use by the driver and all passengers.
• Have safety items such as a first aid kit and fire extinguisher on board the vehicle.
• Keep as much weight low and forward in the vehicle as possible to avoid a rollover.
• Fill front seats first.
• Remove any unused, removable seats before a trip.
• Do not load items on the roof.
• Drive conservatively and avoid unnecessary driving risks.

While 15-passenger vans can provide great benefit to your organization, they do pose a higher rollover risk than some other vehicles. For more information on tire safety, crash prevention and other 15-passenger van information, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website.