Tire Safety with 15-Passenger Vans

With summer now in full swing, many organizations are planning transportation for summer camps, youth groups, mission trips and other activities. Proper vehicle maintenance and tire safety are crucial steps in preparing for such transportation.

To avoid 15-passenger van accidents, it is important to make sure that these vehicles are well equipped and checked routinely. Consider these tips for tire safety:

• Select high quality tires and, for 15-passenger vans, use tires that are rated load range E.
• Before every trip, check your owner’s manual or door pillar for correct tire pressures.
• Make sure that tires have adequate tread depth, greater than 1/8 inch.
• For additional information on tire safety, visit https://www.nhtsa.gov/equipment/tires.
• Owners should have suspension and steering components inspected according to the manufacturers recommended schedule, and replace/repair these parts if necessary.
• Know the owner’s guide on replacing tires and using your spare, if needed.
• Do not use spare tires as your replacement tires, unless necessary.

Beyond tires, consider the following precautions for 15-passenger vans:

• Make sure that all drivers of your 15-passenger van are properly licensed and experienced in operating the vehicle. Utilize a CDL licensed driver or a driver that has completed a defensive driver course specifically designed for operators of a 15-passenger van.
• Complete pre- and post-trip inspections of the vehicle.
• Keep as much weight low and forward in the vehicle as possible.
• Require seat belt use by the driver and all passengers.

For more information on tire safety and preventing crashes and fatalities, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website.