Transcript Large Van Handling Characteristics

Passenger Van Driver Training
Grays Harbor College
Loss Prevention Guide
8/14/09
Large Van Handling
Characteristics


The increased height, length and weight of
large cargo and passenger vans affect
their handling characteristics.
Vans handle differently than sedans even
when performing routine vehicle
maneuvers.
Center of Gravity in Cars



The center of gravity for a sedan is
usually located at the bumper level of the
vehicle.
This keeps the car from leaning too far in
one direction or another during normal or
emergency situations.
The low center of gravity also gives the
vehicle road stability.
Center of Gravity in Large Vans



Much higher due to
size and shape of
van.
Center of gravity
increases when add
cargo or passenger
weight.
When filled to
capacity, high as the
steering wheel.
Results of High Center of Gravity

Compromises the stability of the van
especially during quick, unplanned
maneuvers such as:




Sudden turns
Striking a curb at higher speeds
Running off the payment
Trying to bring wheels back to road surface
too quickly.
The Impaired Driver




Lack of sleep
Alcohol or drug use
Fatigue
Sick
The Distracted Driver

Minimize distractions
when driving


Do not use cell phones
Don’t eat or drink.
Rely on “shotgun” rider
to adjust radio, help
with directions, operate
electronic equipment.
 Van passengers distract driver

How to handle running off the
pavement



Slow down! But avoid severe brake
application. Slow down gradually.
Ease vehicle back only after greatly
reducing speed.
Avoid turning the steering wheel too
sharply while returning to road surface.
Taking curves too fast


Can cause a significant
shift of weight causing
the van to lean in the
opposite direction of the
curve.
As the weight of van
shifts in response to the
curve, the tires will come
off the roadway and the
van will literally flip on
its side.
Tire Failure
A primary contributor to any vehicle rollover is
loss off control caused by tire failure



Tread separations can result
in a dramatic loss of stability
and directional control.
Causes vehicle weight to shift
and become unbalanced..
Because vans, trucks and
SUVs have a higher center of
gravity, they are particularly
susceptible to this result
What to do if tire fails




Ease gently off the gas
Keep a firm grip on the steering wheel
While gently easing into the brakes, keep
the vehicle pointed straight ahead and
gradually reduce your speed.
Pull off the road without making any
radical steering inputs.
What not to do if tire fails


Do not hit the
brakes hard.
.
Do not move the
steering wheel
abruptly.
Adverse Weather





Postpone trip if
weather is bad
Reduce speed
Hydroplane in wet
weather
Wind affects stability
Leave extra space
Before Leaving




Check mirrors and adjust as needed
Familiarize yourself with location and
operation of key vehicle devices (lights,
windshield wipers, heater, etc)
Check that all equipment/belongings
stowed
Check that all passengers are seated with
seatbelts on
Seatbelts

Drivers and
passengers must
buckle up.
Eighty percent of
people who died last
year in single vehicle
rollovers were not
buckled up.
Stopping and Following




Stopping distance is
longer in van than sedan
Allow a three to four
second following
distance
Increase following
distance in inclement
weather
Visualize where vehicle
will be in 12 seconds
Changing Lanes and Turning




Create more space
by reducing or
increasing speed
Use mirrors
Ask for help from
passengers
Put blinkers on early



Reduce speed
For left turn, start turn
farther forward
For right turn, start
turn as far into the
intersection as
possible.
Backing/Parking the van





Try and avoid parking
where you need to
back out
Use spotters
Set parking brake
On hill, turn wheels
so van will roll against
curb
Back toward driver’s
side
Loading and Unloading
Passengers






Park van out of traffic or traveled lane.
Turn on hazard flashers
Turn ignition off when not in driver’s seat
Park on level surface and apply
emergency brake
Assist passengers as needed
Make sure all passengers are clear of van
before pulling forward.
Brakes on Steep Grades



Downshift to let
engine compression
dictate your speed
Maintain speed that
reduces need to
brake
If lose brakes, pump
pedal
Yield to Safety
Courtesy pays off
Question #1
Which of the following
contribute to the potential
for vans to be involved in a
rollover accident?
Excessive speed
Improperly inflated tires
Driver distraction
All of the above
Answer to Question #1
Which of the following contribute to the
potential for vans to be involved in a
rollover accident?
Excessive speed
 Improperly inflated tires
 Driver distraction
 All of the above

Question #2
A large passenger van will “drive” and react
similarly to a standard passenger vehicle.
True
 False

Answer to Question #2
A large van will “drive” and react similarly to
a standard passenger vehicle.
True
 False

Question #3
Which of the following are true?
 The high center of gravity in large vans
helps give the vehicle road stability.
 The center of gravity in large vans is not
much higher than sedans when lightly
loaded.
 Both are false.
Answer to Question #3
Which of the following are true?
 The high center of gravity in large vans
helps give the vehicle road stability.
 The center of gravity in large vans is not
much higher than sedans when lightly
loaded
Both are false
Question #4
If your tire blows out,
you should
 Keep both hands on
the steering wheel
 Pump the brakes
hard to slow down
quickly
 Pull off the road
gradually.
Answer Question #4
If your tire blows out, you should
 Keep both hands on the steering wheel
 Pump the brakes hard to slow down
quickly
 Pull off the road gradually.
Braking hard can help destabilize your
vehicle.
Question #5
It is not necessary for passengers in vans to
wear seatbelts.
True
 False

Answer to Question #5
It is not necessary for
passengers in vans to
wear seatbelts


True
False
Question #6
A ten (10) second following
distance between the van
and the vehicle in front of
the van is a recommended
minimum.


True
False
Answer to Question #6
A ten (10) second following distance between
the van and the vehicle in front of the van is
a recommended minimum.


True
False
Question #7

When parking on an incline/decline, you
don’t need to apply the parking brake if
you shift the transmission into PARK.
True
 False

Answer to Question #7

When parking on an incline/decline, you
don’t need to apply the parking brake if
you shift the transmission into PARK.
True
 False

Question #8
Vehicle momentum can
increase the chance of rolling
a large passenger or cargo
van when cornering.
 True
 False
Answer to Question #8
Vehicle momentum can increase the
chance of rolling a large passenger or
cargo van when cornering.
 True
 False
Question #9
When traveling down a long, steep downhill
stretch, you should:
a) Down-shift
b) Hold your foot on the brake
c) A and B
Answer to Question #9
When traveling down a long, steep downhill
stretch, you should:
 Down-shift
a) Hold your foot on the brake
b) A and B
Question #10
You are driving when your
cell phone rings. You
should:
a) Answer the call
b) Have someone else
answer
c) Ignore the call
d) B or C
Answer to Question #10
You are driving when your cell phone
rings. You should:
a) Answer the call
b) Have someone else answer
c) Ignore the call
 B or C
Question #11
Many van accidents are caused by
“overcorrecting”.
 True
 False
Answer to Question #11
Many van accidents are caused by
“overcorrecting”.
 True
 False
Question #12
When backing a van into a parking space,
you should:
 Back toward the driver’s side
 Use spotters
 Avoid situations where you need to back
 All of the above
Answer to Question #12
When backing a van into a parking space,
you should:
 Back toward the driver’s side
 Use spotters
 Avoid situations where you need to back
 All of the above
Question #13
When loading and unloading
passengers, you should:
 Turn on your headlights –
Not your hazard flashers
 Park the van out of traffic or
the traveled lane
 Leave the motor running
while you assist passengers
Answer to Question #13
When loading and unloading passengers,
you should:
 Turn on your headlights – Not your
hazard flashers
 Park the van out of traffic or the traveled
lane
 Leave the motor running while you assist
passengers
Flipped Dump Truck
•AAA is not going to believe this one
•And you thought YOU had a bad day?
•And they said it couldn't be done!
•Apparently UPS didn't see the "this side up" sticker when they
delivered it.
•Archeologists unearth the real way Egyptians hauled blocks
for the pyramids
•Isn't there an easier way to change the tires?
•OK, lets get our story straight before the boss gets back