Transcript Passenger Van Safety

Motor Vehicle Safety Program
Passenger Van Safety
4/13/2015
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Introduction
Passenger Vans & Safety Concerns
Motor Vehicle Safety Policy in the CCC
Safety Manual
Classroom Seminar Training
Practical Hands On Training (when
available)
Vehicle Checkout Procedures
Driver application process
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Cause for Concern
Accidents, accidents, accidents!
Backing accident, our #1 issue.
Potential for personal injuries and property
damage.
Loss of vehicle use.
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Agenda
NHTSA Report
Accident Facts
Passenger Van Facts
Driving Tips
New Driver Application process
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Vocabulary
NHTSA – National Highway
Transportation Safety Administration.
NSC – National Safety Council
CDL – Commercial Driver’s License
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NHTSA Report
15-passenger vans have a increased rollover
risk under certain conditions.
15-passenger vans if used may not have more
than 12 passengers including the driver (see
CCC Motor Vehicle Safety Manual).
The risk of rollover increases dramatically as the
number of occupants increases from fewer than
five occupants to over ten passengers.
15-passenger vans (with more occupants) had a
rollover rate in single vehicle crashes that is
nearly 3 x the rate of those that were lightly
loaded.
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NHTSA Report
In a 12 year period, there were over 1,570 fatal crashes
involving 15-passenger vans.
These crashes accounted for over 1,100 passenger
deaths.
The rollover rate dramatically increases as the number of
passengers increase.
Fifteen-passenger vans with ten or more occupants had
a rollover rate in single vehicle crashes nearly three
times the rate as when they were lightly loaded.
The odds of a 15 passenger van rolling over when it is
filled to capacity is five times the odds of rollover when
the driver is only one in the van.
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NHTSA Report (continued)
Loading passenger vans causes:
1. Center of gravity to shift rearward and upward increasing the
likelihood of rollover.
2. Shift in the center of gravity will also increase the potential for
loss of control in panic maneuvers.
It is important that the van be operated by
experienced drivers:
1. They should understand and be familiar with the handling
characteristics of their vans, especially when fully loaded.
2. Any load placed on the roof will be above the center of gravity
of the vehicle and will increase the likelihood of rolling over.
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Accident Facts
25% of all driving accidents are the result
of excessive speed.
70% of driving accidents occur within 25
miles from home.
1 out of 4 employees who drive
experience an accident while at work.
Most people know someone who has died
in a car accident.
NHTSA http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/
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Common Causes
of Rollovers
Hits a Ditch or Embankment
Runs into soft soil
Is tripped by running into or over a curb or similar object
Over correcting the steering when:
- A wheel drops of the pavement
- Making a panic reaction to an emergency
Over correcting, referred to as over-steering
- Over-steering can cause rollover especially at high
speeds
- Can cause “fishtailing”. Once a van fishtails
beyond 15 degrees, it is almost impossible to
recover.
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Passenger Van Facts
A speed that may be acceptable in a passenger car
could be dangerous in a van.
You should fill the front seats first. The center of gravity
shifts to the rear and upward increasing the likelihood of
rollover as capacity increases.
The shift in the center of gravity will also increase the
potential for loss of control in panic maneuvers.
Low tire pressure will cause the van to roll over more
easily especially in the rear
Ensure vans are equipped with light truck (L/T) tires
Soft shoulders and culverts pose a hazard in rural areas.
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Driving Tips
For all kinds of vehicles.
Defensive Driving Theories
Dealing with aggressive drivers
Backing the vehicle
Highway driving
City Driving
Rural Driving
Emergency situations
Vehicle accidents
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Driving Tips for all Vehicles
Avoid sharp turns
Avoid excessive speed and abrupt maneuvers
Don’t drive tired
Don’t drive in bad weather
Allow 2-3 second following distance (3-4 or even 5)
Rest stops often (every 2 hrs. recommended or 100 miles)
Wear seat belts. Seat belts are a must to survive a rollover!
Children shall be in an appropriate safety seat. Children over 4
years of age shall be in boaster seat.
Drive during the day, if possible
Require someone to be awake in the front seat with the driver on
long trips
Soft shoulders and culverts pose a hazard in rural areas.
Tire pressure must be at approved levels
Get familiar to the handling characteristics
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Driving Tips
For all vehicles (continued)
Obey all laws, signs and speed limits
Stay in the right lane unless passing
slower vehicles, then return to right lane
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Driver Actions
Drive with courtesy
Be calm when driving
Concentrate when driving
No cell phones, Ipods, blackberrys or
other hand held devices or action that
could cause distraction while driving
Drive defensively
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Dealing With Aggressive Drivers
Avoid eye contact
Don’t cut in front of other drivers
Allow fellow drivers to merge
Don’t aggravate fellow drivers with hand
gestures
Don’t tailgate
Use your horn sparingly
If followed, do not go home
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Backing The Vehicle
Use a spotter
Back to the left (driver’s side)
Avoid backing up if you miss a ramp/exit.
Use outside mirrors (adjust ahead of time)
Park in an area, if possible, where you do
not have to back-up
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Highway Driving
Lane changes and signals
Merges
Blind Spots
Slow moving vehicles
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City Driving
Stop signs
Stop lights
Yield Signs
Signals
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Blind spots
Pedestrians
Bicyclist
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Rural Driving
Bicyclist
Walkers
Domestic Animals/Wild Life
Soft shoulders
Culverts
Curves, hills and narrow roads
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Emergency Situations
Encountering emergency vehicles
Headlights go out
Tire blow out
Engine failure
Break Failure
Plan B for your passengers?
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Check-Out Procedures
Drivers must be 21 years of age or older
Vehicle usage must be pre-approved (CCC New
Driver Application form)
Driver’s must have a valid state driver’s license.
Inspect the vehicle and report any problems
(see CCC Vehicle Inspection form)
Ensure tires are fully inflated to van (check driver
door tag) or tire manufacture's specifications
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Vehicle Accident
The most important thing is to make sure everyone involved is safe. If there are
injuries, secure medical assistance as soon as possible.
Make sure the vehicles are safely off the traveled portion of the road and that traffic is
properly being addressed.
Stay calm. Do not become confrontational or argumentative with other people. Do not
admit liability.
Claims adjusters will fully investigate the loss and determine the facts surrounding the
loss based on that investigation.
Contact the police, even if the accident is minor, so a record of the occurrence is
established and preserved.
Exchange pertinent information with all people involved with the loss; and obtain
pertinent information from all witnesses.
Pertinent information: full names, all participants including passengers,
addresses, phone numbers and tag numbers, including any business numbers.
If your vehicle is not able to be driven and needs to be towed, get the name of the
storage facility where it is being taken.
Report the loss to your claims adjuster as soon as possible.
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Overview
Passenger vans should be operated by
experienced drivers.
To insure the most qualified driver, CCC
requires that Individuals have turned in a New
Driver Information form. They must be 21
years of age or older and have provided a
current acceptable three year history Motor
Vehicle Record (MVR) based on criteria
included in the Safety Manual. A new MVR will
be required every three years and more often
for trip drivers.
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