Stay Calm

Whether you are driving down the highway or on a country road, be careful not to let your tires run off the road. But if your tires do drop off the pavement... don't panic. Panic maneuvers such as turning your wheel sharply or climbing back onto the road at high speed can put you at greater risk of a rollover. Instead, slow down gradually and, when it's safe to do so, ease back onto the pavement.

What to do if tire fails

For many people, the intuitive reaction to a blown tire is to apply the brakes forcefully. But this reaction exaggerates the uneven "drag" on the vehicle caused by the blown tire. In order to counteract the vehicle's severe pulling to one side, the driver would likely overcorrect their steering. In an automobile this may not have such severe consequences, but in a large "top-heavy" van, losing control of the vehicle and rolling are a much greater possibility.

Decelerate Slowly

The correct response to a blowout, as recommended by such groups as the National Safety Council and the American Automobile Association, is to refrain from braking; instead decelerate slowly so that the steering required to keep the vehicle oriented in a forward direction isn't nearly so severe.

Passenger Safety

Because you'll be loading and unloading passengers, you'll have more pedestrian traffic around your vehicle than the typical automobile or SUV. You'll need to pay close attention to what's around you. Remember that a 15-passenger van has large blind spots on either side and in back. These blind spots are large enough for a vehicle to disappear inimagine how easy it is, then, to lose sight of an individual standing nearby. Even walking in front of the van, a child or shorter adult can easily move out of your line of vision.

Backing/ Parking the van

When moving in or out of a parking space, the maneuver with the greatest potential for risk is backing up. 70% of all van accidents involve backing into a stationary object. Whenever possible, avoid backing up by parking in a way that allows you to drive forward when you exit. When this isn't possible, and you have no choice but to back up, be especially careful. Never back the vehicle unless you're absolutely sure the area behind you is clear of pedestrians or obstructions. The rule here is "when is doubt - get out." Exit the van and walk around to survey the area that the van will be backed into. When you're ready to perform the backing maneuver, use all the mirrors and, if possible, back to the left (or driver's side) for maximum visibility.

Loading and Unloading

Passengers

Choose the safest possible location when deciding where to load and unload passengers. Park in a low-traffic area with good visibility. If possible, choose a loading place that doesn't require passengers to cross a street. When this isn't possible, try to park where there's a crosswalk or other controlled area so that passengers can cross more safely.

Children as Passengers

When carrying children, make sure that there is at least one other adult on board to provide supervision. As the van's driver, it's important that you are able to keep your focus on the road. Driving a van while trying to look after young children puts you and your passengers at risk.

With children, follow the "one to ten" rule. That means that for every ten children there should be at least one adult passenger who can devote their attention to keeping the children under control. In this way, you can keep your attention where it needs to be - on driving safely.

Control Noise

Loud noise is another potential distraction that must be controlled. A teenager with a boom-box or several kids chattering excitedly can make it nearly impossible to hear an approaching emergency vehicle or another driver's horn. For their safety, when necessary, instruct passengers to keep their noise to an acceptable level.

Preventing Accidents

An inexperienced driver who's not used to the unique handling characteristics of 15-passenger vans can quickly find themselves in trouble. Incorrectly loading a van. Driving while fatigued or otherwise impaired. Traveling too fast for conditions. "Overcorrecting" the steering after a van's wheels have drifted off the pavement. Mistakes like these have been the cause of tragic accidents. But, fortunately, many of the factors that cause rollover crashes and other types of accidents are preventable.