15-Passenger Van Safety Guidelines

1. When a 15-passenger van is not full, passengers are to sit in seats that are in front of the rear axle.
2. Never allow more than 15 people to ride in a 15-passenger van.
3. Require all passengers and the driver to wear proper safety restraints (seat belts - preferably 3-point lap/shoulder belts) any time the van is in motion. Inspect seat belts regularly … replace any missing, broken or damaged belts and/or buckles.
4. Inspect the tires, including the spare … determine the date of manufacture of each tire from the DOT code (may only be on the inboard sidewall). The DOT code will end with either 3 numbers or 4 numbers … if three numbers, the tire was manufactured in the 90’s. the last number is the year and the first two are the week in that year … example “168” would be the 16^th week of 1998. If four numbers, the tire was manufactured in 2000 or later … the first two numbers are the week and the last two numbers are the year … example “2303” would be the 23^rd week of 2003.
5. Replace all tires that are more than six years old. It is critical to remember that low mileage doesn’t mean tires are safe. Tires deteriorate with time whether they are used or not … And, unfortunately, dangerously deteriorated tires cannot always be detected by visual inspection alone. When buying new tires be sure to get the date of manufacture of each tire. If they are more than a year old, do not buy them. Remember they have a six year life from the date of manufacture not from the date they are installed on your van.
6. Be sure all tires are the proper size and load rating for the van. Recommended tire size and load rating should be in the owner’s manual.
7. Inspect the tires before each use. Examine tires for uneven wear, cracks, and other damage. Replace any damaged tires.
8. Check tire pressure before each use. Beware ! … required front and back tire pressures may be very different and are likely higher than required for car tires … typically van tires must be inflated to 50 lbs. for the front tires and 80 lbs. in the rear tires. The manufacturer’s recommended pressure is usually provided on the driver’s doorsill or in the owner’s manual.
9. Do not overload the van. See the owner’s manual for maximum allowable total weight of passengers and cargo.
10. Do not strap any cargo onto the roof or back of the van.
11. Do not tow anything behind the van.
12. Be certain the driver has a valid driver’s license for the state where they reside (a commercial driver’s license is preferred). Be aware that van drivers need additional training since these vans handle differently than other vehicles, especially when fully loaded. Allow no one under the age of 21 to drive the van. Select one or two drivers to drive the van on a regular basis. Insist that a new driver get experience driving the van alone before driving with others in the van. Remember a 15-passenger van is substantially longer and wider than a car, thus it …

·        Requires more space and additional reliance on the side-view mirrors for changing lanes.

·        Does not respond as well to abrupt steering maneuvers … such as might occur with a blowout or dropping off the edge of the pavement.

·        Requires additional braking time.

13. Limit drive time to 8 hours per driver per 24 hours. Ban driving from midnight to 6 a.m. … the van is dangerous enough without fatigue and poor visibility.
14. Be absolutely certain the driver is not under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
15. The driver is to be well rested and attentive to driving. Prohibit use of a cell phone by the driver while the van is in motion. Limit conversation with other passengers.
16. Drive at a safe speed based on driving conditions … never more than the speed limit … and with a maximum of 60 mph regardless of the conditions and speed limit. Always slow down if the roads are wet or icy.
17. Keep the gas tank as full as practically possible.  A full tank of gas lowers the center of gravity and reduces the risk of rollover.
18. Remove the last row of seating. Do not stow cargo in the van any higher than the bench level of the seats.  

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