Transcript NHTSA - Florida Department of Juvenile Justice

Department of Juvenile Justice
15-Passenger Van Safety
1
Introduction
Fifteen-passenger vans are more likely to be
involved in a single-vehicle rollover crash than
any other type of vehicle. In response, the
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
(NHTSA) has issued safety advisory on these
vehicles.
The good news is that the Department of Juvenile
Justice has implemented educational driving
courses and training to inform staff on how to
reduce rollover risk, avoid potential dangers and
better protect occupant in the event of a rollover
crash.
2
NHTSA Report



15-passenger vans have a increased rollover risk
under certain conditions
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 10 or more occupants)
had a rollover rate in single vehicle crashes that
is nearly 3 x the rate of those that were lightly
loaded.
3
NHTSA Report (continued)


Loading 15-passenger vans causes the center of
gravity to shift rearward and upward increasing
the likelihood of rollover. 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, they should understand and
be familiar with the handling characteristics of
their vans, especially when fully loaded.
4
NHTSA Reports (continued)
Institutions using 15-passenger vans
should require seat belt use at all times.
 Any load placed on the roof will be above
the center of gravity of the vehicle and will
increase the likelihood of rolling over.

5
NHTSA Recommends
1.
Keep your passenger load light.
NHTSA research has shown that 15passenger vans have a rollover risk that
increases dramatically as the number of
occupants increases from fewer than five
to more than ten. In fact, 15-passenger
vans (with 10 or more occupants) had a
rollover rate in single vehicle crashes that
is nearly three times the rate of those that
were lightly loaded.
6
NHTSA Recommends
(continued)
2.
Check your van’s tire pressure
frequently — at least once a week.
A just-released NHTSA study found
that 74 percent of all 15-passenger
vans had improperly inflated tires. By
contrast, 39 percent of passenger
cars had improperly inflated tires.
Improperly inflated tires can change
handling characteristics, increasing
the prospect of a rollover crash in 15passenger vans.
7
NHTSA Recommends
(continued)
3.
Require all occupants to use their
seat belts or the appropriate child
restraint. Nearly 80% of those who
have died nationwide in 15passenger vans were not buckled up.
Wearing seat belts dramatically
increases the chances of survival
during a rollover crash.
8
NHTSA Recommends
(continued)
4.
If at all possible, seat passengers
& place cargo forward of the rear
axle — and avoid placing any
loads on the roof. By following these
guidelines, you’ll lower the vehicle’s
center of gravity and lower the
chance of a rollover crash.
9
NHTSA Recommends
(continued)
5.
Be mindful of speed and road
conditions. The analysis of 15passenger van crashes also shows
that the risk of rollover increases
significantly at speeds over 50 miles
per hour and on curved roads.
10
NHTSA Recommends
(continued)
6.
Only qualified drivers should be
behind the wheel. Special training
and experience are required to
properly operate a 15-passenger van.
Make sure your driver or drivers have
both — and only operate these
vehicles when well rested and fully
alert.
11
Overview
15-passenger Vans should be operated by
experienced drivers.
 In order to insure we have the most
qualified drivers we now offer:
Educational Driving Training Courses

12
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.

13
15-Passenger Van Facts





A speed that may be acceptable in a passenger
car could be dangerous in a van.
A 16 passenger vehicle requires a CDL
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.
Soft shoulders and culverts pose a hazard in rural
areas.
The shift in the center of gravity will also
increase the potential for loss of control in panic
maneuvers.
14
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
15
Driving Tips for all vehicles









Avoid sharp turns.
Avoid excessive speed and abrupt maneuvers.
Don’t drive tired.
Don’t drive in bad weather
Drive conservatively
Rest stops often (every 2 hrs. recommended)
Wear seat belts
Drive during the day, if possible.
Require someone to be awake in the front seat
with the driver on long trips
16
For all vehicles (continued)
2-way radio for all vehicles and cellular
phone for leader on multi-vehicle trips.
 Trip leader to drive lead vehicle and set
pace. . .no other vehicle shall pass.
 Obey all laws, signs and speed limits.

17
Defensive Driving Theories
Drive with courtesy
 Be calm when driving
 Concentrate when driving
 Drive cautiously

18
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.

19
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.

20
Highway Driving
Lane changes and signals.
 Merges
 Blind Spots
 Slow moving vehicles

21
City Driving




Stop signs
Stop lights
Yield Signs
Signals



Blind spots
Pedestrians
Bicyclist
22
Rural Driving
Bicyclist
 Walkers
 Deer/Moose
 Soft shoulders
 Culverts
 Curves, hills and narrow roads

23
Emergency Situations
Encountering emergency vehicles
 Headlights go out
 Tire blow out
 Engine failure
 Break Failure

24
Check-Out Procedures





Vehicle usage must be pre-approved by the
budget administrator for your department or
organization.
Arrangements are made through the Purchasing
Department.
Driver’s must have a valid state driver’s license.
Keys must be picked up by the driver.
Inspect the vehicle and report any problems.
25
Vehicle Accident
Relax
 Never leave the scene of an accident.
 Report the accident to the police.
 Never admit fault.
 Gather all the facts (date, time, witnesses,
phone numbers, etc.)
 Report all accidents to immediate
Supervisor and Fleet Headquarters Office.

26