Transcript 15 - Passenger Van Training

15 – Passenger Van
Safety Training
INTRODUCTION
► Many
people, when they hop into the driver’s seat
of a 15-passenger van, expect to drive it just like
they do their own car. Unfortunately, this belief
puts them and their passengers at risk, because
15-passenger vans don’t handle like passenger
cars. Driving 15-passenger vans requires certain
safety precautions. Understanding why these
types of vans need special care will get you and
your passengers to your destination safely.
Health & Safety Coordinator
Anthony Salatino
CAUSE FOR CONCERN
Numerous 15-passenger vans have been involved in fatal crashes, a fact
which has raised many concerns about these vehicles.
►
In California, a 15-passenger van carrying 14 young adults to a
religious retreat rolled over, killing five passengers. They were only five
minutes away from their destination.
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In Colorado, five firefighters were killed on the way to a forest fire
when their 15-passenger van rolled.
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In Maine, a 15-passenger van full of forestry workers crashed and
rolled over causing the deaths of 14 passengers.
►
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) found:
Health & Safety Coordinator
Anthony Salatino
…CONT.
►
In a recent 12 year period, there were over 1,570 fatal crashes
involving 15-passenger vans.
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These crashes accounted for over 1,100 passenger deaths.
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The rollover risk of 15-passenger vans dramatically increases as the
number of passengers increases.
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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.
►
A 15-passenger van rolling over when it is filled to the capacity is five
times the odds of rollover when the driver is the only one in the van.
Health & Safety Coordinator
Anthony Salatino
FACTORS AFFECTING CRASH AND
INJURY RATES
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CENTER OF GRAVITY
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As more people fill a 15-passenger van, the center of gravity moves
upward and toward the rear of the van.
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This makes the van more likely to roll over.
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It also makes the van handle differently from most cars.
►
These factors increase the chances that a driver will lose control of the
van, especially when reacting to unforeseen circumstances, like being
cut off by another vehicle.
Health & Safety Coordinator
Anthony Salatino
SPEED and ROAD
CHARACTERISTICS
►
NHTSA found that the rate of a rollover increased significantly at
speeds over 50 miles per hour and on curved roads.
►
SAFETY BELTS
Striking research shows that safety belt use among occupants of 15passenger vans is very low compared to other types of vehicles. This
increases the odds of fatalities occurring from a rollover.
►
DRIVERS AGE vs. EXPERIENCE
When it comes to crashes, the age of the driver was less of a factor
than the amount of experience he or she had. A majority of highly
publicized crashes involved inexperienced drivers. Many drivers
operate 15-passenger vans infrequently and often don’t have formal
training.
COMMON CAUSES of ROLLOVER
►
►
Rollover crashes can be deadly, so it’s important to know the common
situations that cause the majority of 15-passenger van rollovers.
RUNNING OFF THE ROAD
A 15-passenger van could roll over when it:
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Hits a ditch or embankment
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Runs into soft soil
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Is tripped by running into or over a curb or similar object.
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A wheel drops off the pavement.
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Making a panic reaction to an emergency.
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Overcorrecting is referred to as over-steering.
…cont.
► FATIGUE
A rollover can also occur when a driver is tired,
dozes off at the wheel and loses control of the
van.
► TRAVELING
TOO FAST
A 15-passenger van can slide sideways and off the
road when the driver is traveling too fast for the
road conditions, especially when the pavement is
wet or icy. When the van’s tires hit the softer
earth, the van could likely roll over.
SAFETY GUIDELINES
►
The first thing to remember when driving a 15-passenger
van is that it isn’t simply a big car. A van handles
differently, especially when fully loaded. Drivers should be
trained and experienced. As a comparison, federal law
requires a commercial driver’s license to transport 16 or
more people for commercial purposes.
BEFORE SETTING OFF
► Inspect the van.
► Familiarize yourself with the locations of controls such as
headlight switches and windshield wipers.
► Check the position of mirrors and adjust the seat.
► Tire pressure and tread wear should be checked weekly.
► Tires improperly inflated can cause a blowout.
►
LOADING THE VAN
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Fill in the front seats first.
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If possible, have passengers and cargo forward of the rear
axle.
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If the van is loaded to capacity, remind yourself that the
center of gravity has shifted and the van will handle
differently than when you are driving alone or with just a
few people.
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You should never have more than 15 people riding in the
van.
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Avoid placing loads on the roof of the van, doing so
increases the risk of a rollover.
RESTRAINTS
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One of the most important safety tips when operating a
van is to make sure every passenger is buckled at ALL
times.
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NHTSA found that 80% of passengers killed in rollover
crashes involving 15-passenger vans were not using safety
belts.
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People who use safety belts are 75% less likely to be killed
in a rollover crash than those who don’t.
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IT IS CRITICAL TO REQUIRE THE USE OF SAFETY BELTS,
EVEN IF DRIVING AROUND CAMPUS or LOCALLY.
DEFENSIVE DRIVING
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While on the road, use defense driving techniques:
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Be alert and stay focused on your task.
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Do not use a cell phone while driving.
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Don’t tailgate; leave more space between you and the vehicle in front
of you than you would if you were driving a car. A 15-passenger van
requires much more braking distance.
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On the highway, be mindful of your blind spots. Allow more space and
use side-mirrors when changing lanes.
Most rollovers are a result of sudden steering maneuver while traveling
at high speeds. Therefore:
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DO not follow other vehicles too closely.
Avoid changing lanes abruptly.
ADDITIONAL DRIVING TIPS
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Drive during the day if possible.
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Have someone stay awake in the front seat with you to
help keep you alert.
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Take breaks often, especially if feeling tired.
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Never drive after drinking or taking drugs, which includes
some prescription and over-the-counter medications.
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Drive at a safe speed for the weather and road conditions.
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Remember, the speed you normally drive in a car may be
too fast for a 15-passenger van.
CONCLUSION
►
If you are driving a 15-passenger van, find out if you can
practice driving the van before you transport any
passengers or cargo. This will help you get the feel of the
size and handling.
REMEMBER:
► Make sure everyone, including you, uses a safety belt at
ALL times. In fact, require each person to put on his or
her safety belt before the van leaves the parking lot.
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While driving, avoid sharp turns, abrupt lane changes or
steering maneuvers.
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Always maintain a safe speed for the weather and road
conditions.
15-PASSENGER VAN QUIZ
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Answer TRUE or FALSE per Question:
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1. Driving a 15-passenger van is just like driving a car. _________
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2. The risk of a 15-passenger van rolling over increases dramatically as the number of passenger
increases. _________
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3. As more people fill a 15-passenger van, the center of gravity moves downward and to the front of
the van. __________
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4. Speed is not a factor in rollovers. _________
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5. Research shows that occupants of 15-passenger vans use safety belts much less than occupants of
other types of vehicles._______
►
6.
►
7. Two of the most common causes of rollovers is the wheels running off the road and overcorrecting
the steering.______
►
8.
It’s just as easy to drive at night as it is during the day.________
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9.
The van’s tire pressure and tread wear should be checked least once a week. ________
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10. When loading the van, fill the rear seats first. _______
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11. People who wear safety belts are 75% less likely to be killed in rollover crashes than those who
don’t. ________
►
12.
Inexperience is more of a factor in crashes of 15-passenger vans than age.______
It’s critical to require the use of safety belts.________
ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF TRAINING
15 Passenger Van
►I
have attended the 15 Passenger Van Training
and completed and passed the required Quiz.
► ____________________________________
Employee’s Signature
Date
____________________________________
Trainer’s Name
Date
Note: This record may be included in the employee’s personnel or training file.