Importance of Good Driving

Good driving skills are critical when handling a 15-passenger vanseveral facts that came out of the NHTSA studies make this clear.

Compared to other types of crashes, rollover accidents are more likely to result in fatalities. Yet most rollover crashes involving 15-passenger vans are single-vehicle accidents. This means there was no other vehicle involved. In almost half of these rollovers, however, the driver attempted a steering maneuver just before the accident - in many cases, a panic maneuver combined with other factors such as excessive speed led to tragedy. The good news in all this is that drivers can avoid the types of behaviors that lead to accidents like these.

Before Leaving Your Driving Condition

Before you get behind the wheel of a 15-passenger van make sure that you're in a safe condition to drive. Of course, alcohol and illegal drugs are strictly forbidden, but many people use prescription drugs that can cause drowsiness, and this too can be hazardous while driving. Any driver in this condition should turn their van over to another qualified driver.

To handle the van safely, you must be free of any condition that could lead to driver impairment, including fatigue and illness.

Pre-Trip Inspection

Every time you take a van out you should perform a pre-trip inspection.

This is a brief walk-around inspection that allows you to check the condition of the vehicle, as well as look for any obstructions or people nearby. Check tires, wipers, mirrors, headlights, taillights, windshield / windows, and fuel

Inspection

Step 1- Approaching van

Begin the inspection as you approach the van. Is there any evidence of a leak underneath? Are there pedestrians walking nearby, or children playing in the vicinity? In front of the van and behind it, is there a post or some other obstruction that could disappear from view once you're inside the van?

As you move toward the van, begin making a plan for how you'll exit the parking area - look for the pathway that provides the widest, safest path - if possible, one that allows you to avoid backing up.

Inspection

Step 2 - Windows and Mirrors

When you reach the van, check that the mirrors and windows are clean. If it is wintertime, remove snow and ice and make sure the windshield is properly defrosted. Remember - maximum visibility is critical not just because you'll be operating a large vehicle in traffic, but also because you'll be taking on passengers. That means you'll have an unusual amount of foot traffic around the vehicle and anything that decreases visibility creates a potential hazard.

Inspection

Step 3- Headlights

For the same reasons, check that the headlights are clean and working. And test that the turn signal lights all function.

Inspection

Step 4- Windshield Wipers

Make sure the windshield wipers work properly, and wipe off the blades.

Inspection

Step 5- Emergency Equipment

Is all your emergency equipment on board and properly stowed? This should include a fully charged fire extinguisher and an emergency first aid kit.

Inspection

Step 6 - Tires

In recent years, several fatal accidents involving tire blowouts have made the news - the drivers lost control after a tire failure, and vehicles carrying passengers became involved in tragic rollover accidents. Government agencies now recommend doing a visual inspection of the tires before each trip, and checking the tire pressure with a gauge at least once a week.