By Pendergast Law on May 28, 2012
Fifteen-passenger vans are commonly used by church groups, camps, and other organizations during summer to transport groups to and from summer events. When safety precautions aren’t taken, however, the risk of a serious injury or death in a 15-passenger van accident increases, according to the National Transportation Safety Board. Here are some tips for protecting yourself and others from 15-passenger van accidents this summer.
- Examine tires for wear, cracks, and other damage, and replace tires if they show any signs of damage. Make sure tires are properly inflated each time the van is driven.
- Require every person in the van to put on and keep on a seat belt as long as the van is in motion. The risk of dying in a rollover crash is reduced for passengers wearing seat belts.
- Make sure drivers have the training needed to safely handle a 15-passenger van. These vans handle differently and the risk of a rollover crash when the van is fully loaded is much greater than in a passenger vehicle. Drivers should be trained to handle these specific risks.
- Load cargo and passengers in the van from front to back, keeping as much weight as possible in front of the rear axle. Never strap cargo to the van’s roof or use the van to pull a loaded trailer.
Fifteen-passenger van accidents can cause serious injuries or even death. If you’ve been injured in a 15-passenger van accident, call an experienced 15-passenger van accident lawyer in Seattle at Hardwick & Pendergast, P.S. For a free consultation, contact us at 888-539-9211 today.