Facts supporting the need for an awareness program for owners

and operators of 15-passenger vans

1. From 1997 through 2006 there were 1,090 fatalities of van occupants resulting from crashes involving 15-passenger vans. Of the 1,090 fatalities, 534 resulted from largely preventable single vehicle rollover crashes of the 15-passenger vans[1].

2. 15-passenger vans are more prone to rollover. In 2005, 59% of the fatalities in 15-passenger van crashes occurred in single-vehicle rollover crashes[2]. This rate is higher than the rollover fatality rates for any other passenger vehicle type[3].

3. The odds of rollover for a 15-passenger van increase more than 400 percent when the van is fully loaded compared with a driver traveling alone. This increase is significantly higher than the percentage increase in any other type of passenger vehicle[4].

4. 15-passenger vans require special driver skills. They are larger, with high centers of gravity making them less stable than vehicles such as cars. Adding passengers increases the center of gravity causing them to be increasingly difficult to handle and less stable[5].

5. The death rate for all occupants was higher for 15-passenger vans than for other passenger vehicle types combined. During the period 2001-05 the death rate for 15-passenger vans was 250 per million registered vehicles versus 151 for all other vehicles[6].

6. Impressing upon 15-passenger van drivers the inherent dangers of operating these vehicles, particularly when fully loaded, and educating them about proper handling and control, particularly during emergency situations, can reduce the risk of rollover. Such training can also help dispel the expectation that these vans operate like large passenger cars[7].

7. Nearly 80 percent of those who died in 15-passenger van rollovers nationwide between 1990 and 2003 were not buckled up. Wearing safety belts dramatically increases the chances of survival during a rollover crash. In fatal, single vehicle rollovers involving 15-passenger vans over the past decade, 91 percent of belted occupants survived[8].

8. In 2002 only 14% of the 15-passenger van single vehicle fatalities were restrained as compared with 30% restrained in passenger cars[9]. This indicates a much lower use of seat belts by occupants of 15-passenger vans.

9. Recently there have been a number of safety improvements to new 15-passenger vans such as lap/shoulder belts in all seating positions, tire pressure monitoring systems, electronic stability control, expansion of several federal motor vehicle safety standards to now include 15-passenger vans … all these will improve the safety of new 15-passenger vans but will do nothing for the estimated 550,000 vans currently on the road. Driver education and training, and general awareness of the dangers of these vans are the only viable means of reducing the death rates of these existing vans.

10. Even with all the above mentioned safety improvements, 15-passenger vans have low NCAP rollover ratings. The 2008 Ford E-350 15-passenger van has a two star (out of 5) rollover rating indicating a 30% to 40% risk of rollover[10]. The Ford E-350 accounts for approximately 80% of the 15-passenger vans sold annually[11]. Thus, even with the safety improvements, training for safe operation to reduce the risk of rollover is still needed. 

11. According to a 2005 report approximately 74% of all 15-passenger vans had at least one tire misinflated by 25% or more. This compares to 39% of passenger cars with at least one tire misinflated by 25% or more[12].  This indicates a lack of training on proper tire maintenance. Over the last ten years tires were a related factor for approximately 20% of all 15-passenger van single vehicle rollover accidents as compared to approximately 3% for all other passenger vehicles[13].

12. According to a 2008 survey of church and university 15-passenger vans in the Knoxville TN area, the average annual usage of these vans is approximately 6,600 miles per year. Applying this average annual mileage to 15-passenger vans nationally and to the 2006 15-passenger van fatalities, yields a calculated fatality rate per mile driven, for 15-passenger vans, that is 20% higher than for all other passenger vehicles combined.[14]

13. These vans have primarily been sold to various schools, universities, churches, day cares and other similar community organizations. As the dangers of these vans have became more apparent and as both federal and state legislation has been passed limiting the use of these vans, many of the vans have been sold by the various organizations to private citizens. In most cases this has been done without disclosure of the dangers these vans pose and the differences in safely operating these vans as opposed to other passenger vehicles. These private citizens purchasing these vans must be made aware of the dangers and precautions to safely operate the vehicles.

Prepared by:

Patrick James & Roderick Koehler – June, 2008

5013 Jade Pasture Lane

Knoxville, TN 37918

Tel: 865-951-3544

E-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

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