Any organization should consider the need to replace and retire their 15-passenger vans due to some serious security concerns that are related with such forms of vehicles. We’ve listed some 15-passenger van safety tips for an organization, such as a church, on how they can remain safe on the road while using a 15-passenger van. Leaders, drivers and passengers will benefit from knowing and applying these safety recommendations.
15 Passenger Van
For churches, securing their service vehicle will not be complete if they do not have church van insurance. Webb & Associates can guide you in your search for 15-passenger van insurance. We can help you select the insurance policy that provides comprehensive coverage for your ministry.
- Driver: Â A 15-passenger van must be operated only by a well-trained and experienced driver who is engaged in operating this kind of vehicle on a regular basis.
- The Driver should have a valid driving license for the state of residence and in this matter, it is best to have a commercial driving license.
- Anyone who drives a 15-passenger van needs to undergo additional training because these vehicles maneuver differently from cars and mini-vans, particularly when they are fully loaded.
- Driver should be focused and be well rested. Driver should never use a handheld phone at the wheel and should limit conversation with other passengers.
- Driver should not drive more than 8 hours per day.
- Tire pressure: You must inspect the tires then check the tire pressure prior to using a 15-passenger van.
- The tires are should be properly inflated while the tread must never be worn down. Incorrectly inflated or excessively worn tires could result to loss of control over the vehicle and it can lead to a rollover.
- Remember that the pressure for back and front tires might be different and the pressure is possibly higher when it comes to a 15-passenger van over what is needed for the car tires.
- Check the driver’s side door pillar or the owner’s manual for recommended tire size and pressure.
- Spares: You should avoid using some old spares when the worn tires are needed to be replaced. Because all tires, even those that are not used weaken as time goes by. Using the old spares can just lead to danger.
- Size: A 15-passenger van is substantially wider and longer than a car and so, it needs more space so you can maneuver it properly. Aside from that, you will need to be vigilant using the side-view mirrors when changing lanes.
- Speed: You must drive at a good and safe speed limit depending on the driving condition. A driver must never drive this vehicle at a speed rate that exceeds the recommended speed limit. It is important to slow down when the road is icy or wet because this kind of vehicle doesn’t respond very well to unforeseen steering maneuvers and it needs more braking time.
- Seat belts: All the occupants must wear and fasten their seat belts from time to time they travel with a 15-passenger van. The seat belts should be inspected on a regular basis and replacement should be made for any missing piece, for damaged or broken buckles or belts. Any unrestrained occupant of a 15-passenger van who had been involved in a single car accident is 4 times more likely to be killed than a restrained passenger.
- Occupancy: Never allow more than 15 people to ride in a 15-passenger van. Fill the seats from front to back: when the van is not full, passengers should sit in seats that are in front of the rear axle.
- Cargo: Cargo should be placed forward of the rear axle; avoid overloading the van or placing any loads on the roof. See the vehicle owner’s manual for maximum weight of passengers and cargo and to determine towing capability.
See this link Quick Fact Sheet on Safety Tips for 15-Passenger Vans from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration