The Hidden Dangers of Passenger Vans
Did you know that 15-passenger vans pose a special and significant risk of accidents? In 2001, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) issued the first warning about the dangers of 15-passenger vans.
Have you been injured in an accident involving a 15-passenger van? Contact the personal injury lawyers at Columbus GA Law Firm.
Our team of personal injury lawyers will pursue compensation for your injury. We understand the risk and know how to deal with it. We help victims of 15-passenger van accidents throughout GA get the financial compensation they deserve.
The Rollover Risk increases with an increase in the number of passengers.
Vans with 10 or more passengers are three times more likely to be involved in a rollover than vans with 5 or less passengers. This is because when the number of passengers increases, the combined weight of the passengers also increases resulting in the van’s center of gravity rising and shifting to the rear increasing the chances of a rollover. When the center of gravity rises and shifts to the rear, the van becomes more difficult to control in an emergency. NHTSA research concluded that the chances of a rollover are higher if any load in placed on the roof of the van.
Not safe for School Children
15-passenger vans are too dangerous for children. In fact, schools are prohibited by federal law to use these vans to transport children in grades K-12. But in the absence of any law prohibiting their use to transport college students, or members of community groups, YMCAs, daycare centers, senior centers or other groups, these vans continue to be popular for group transportation. These vans are very popular as airport shuttles.
The main reason why 15-passenger vans are popular is that no commercial driver’s license is required. Any licensed driver can drive a 15-passenger van.
We represent injury victims throughout Georgia from our offices in Columbus GA. If you were injured in a 15-passenger van accident, please contact us for a free initial consultation. Call 706-494-6900.