|
15-passenger vans have a capacity
for the driver and fourteen passengers. They are frequently used
by organizations to transport large groups of people and cargo to
and from activities. Churches, colleges, and businesses use these
vehicles on a regular basis. 15-passenger vans have the ability
to fishtail and rollover because they are top heavy. The vans have
a high center of gravity and when they are overloaded can become
unstable. This can cause a great deal of harm to anyone involved
in this type of accident.
- Here are some statistics/facts concerning
15 passenger vans:
- There are an estimated 500,000 15 passenger
vans on American roads.
- 15-passenger vans have a rollover ratio of
70 percent when filled with over fifteen passengers.
- The federal government has banned the purchase
of 15-passenger vans for use in schools, excluding colleges.
- Since 1990 over 400 people have died due to
single-vehicle rollover accidents in 15 passenger vans.
Many 15 passenger vans have rears
that reach over four feet past the rear wheels. Overloading in this
area of the van can increase the instability of the vehicle while
steering in emergency situations. In many cases the addition of
dual wheels in the back of the van can lessen the risk of instability
while driving in emergency situations. Some manufacturers will add
the dual wheels for a few hundred dollars. Here are some other safety
measures to remember while operating a 15 passenger van:
- Drivers should see that all passengers are
properly wearing seat belts before operating the vehicle.
- Load the vehicle's seats starting in the front.
- Position luggage in rear of the vehicle behind
the back seat.
- Remove roof rack from the vehicle because they
increase the center of gravity, which causes a higher chance of
rollover.
- Do not talk on cell phones when driving the
vehicle.
- Check tires for signs of wear, which can increase
the possibility of rollover.
News
Many law suits are filed each
year against manufacturers of 15 passenger vans on account of accidents
that resulted in injuries or deaths. Ford and General Motors are
currently the only companies manufacturing 15 passenger vans. In
2002 DiamlerChrysler stopped generating 15 passenger vans. Some
15 passenger vans that are currently being used are the Ford Econoline
E350, GMC Rally/Vandura G3500, Chevrolet Express 3500, Dodge Ram
Van/Wagon B3500, and the GMC Savana G3500.
- In January 2003 one child was killed and five
others were seriously injured when a 15 passenger van was in an
accident.
- In September 2002 in the state of Maine 14
passengers were killed in an accident in a 15 passenger van.
In April 2001 the U. S. Department
of Transportation issued a warning regarding the use of 15-passenger
vans. The warning stated that 15-passenger had an increased risk
of rollover under certain conditions. This warning reinforces that
fact that drivers need to be cautious while operating these vehicles.
The Law Offices of Kirk Bernard,
have years of experience in 15 Passenger Van accident matters. Our
skilled team of Los Angeles van accident attorneys will investigate the facts, assess your
claim, establish which parties and insurance companies are to be
held responsible, and organize all of the details of composing and
presenting your case. If you or a loved one has suffered as a result
of a 15 Passenger Van accident call the Law Offices of Kirk Bernard.
IF YOU OR A LOVED ONE HAVE BEEN
SERIOUSLY INJURED IN AN ACCIDENT, CALL TODAY FOR A FREE CONSULTATION!
Call Kirk Personally - "I'm Here to Help
You!"
1-800-CALL KIRK
1-800-225-5547
The Law Offices of Kirk Bernard
10940 Wilshire Blvd. Ste. 2150
Los Angeles, CA 90024
Voice: (310) 578-7700 • Fax: (310) 208-5777
www.4injured.com
• www.washingtonelderabuse.com
|
