1. Motor Vehicle Safety Program Passenger Van Safety
In 2005 NHTSA announced an up dated version of it previous Traffic Safety Alert concerning 15 passenger van alert. Thus this is why we have decided to provide this training to ensure all who have 15 passenger vans are knowledgeable of these hazards and take positive steps in providing training and select drivers who are experienced.
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2. Introduction Passenger Vans & Safety Concerns
Motor Vehicle Safety Policy in the CCC Safety Manual
Classroom Seminar Training
Practical Hands On Training (when available)
Vehicle Checkout Procedures
Driver application process
Due to the NHTSA notice, USCG has taken steps to help provide knowledge, skills and abilities to ensure that only trained, qualified and authorized personnel drive 15 Passenger van.. Personnel who ride in van pools, to and from work, should offer this training presentation and 15 Passenger Training DVD to those who drive. DVD can be obtained through MLC’s video lending libraries.
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3. Cause for Concern Accidents, accidents, accidents!
Backing accident, our #1 issue.
Potential for personal injuries and property damage.
Loss of vehicle use.
These are just a few examples of what could happen if inexperienced drivers are placed behind the wheel.
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4. Agenda NHTSA Report Accident Facts Passenger Van Facts Driving Tips
New Driver Application process
NHTSA has developed basic elements that may be consider when establishing a training plan.
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5. Vocabulary
NHTSA – National Highway Transportation Safety Administration.
NSC – National Safety Council
CDL – Commercial Driver’s License
Some basic terms to know.
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6. NHTSA Report
15-passenger vans have a increased rollover risk under certain conditions.
15-passenger vans if used may not have more than 12 passengers including the driver (see CCC Motor Vehicle Safety Manual).
The risk of rollover increases dramatically as the number of occupants increases from fewer than five occupants to over ten passengers.
15-passenger vans (with more occupants) had a rollover rate in single vehicle crashes that is nearly 3 x the rate of those that were lightly loaded.
Notice that the more passengers, the more likely chance of a rollover.
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7. NHTSA Report
In a 12 year period, there were over 1,570 fatal crashes involving 15-passenger vans.
These crashes accounted for over 1,100 passenger deaths.
The rollover rate dramatically increases as the number of passengers increase.
Fifteen-passenger vans with ten or more occupants had a rollover rate in single vehicle crashes nearly three times the rate as when they were lightly loaded.
The odds of a 15 passenger van rolling over when it is filled to capacity is five times the odds of rollover when the driver is only one in the van.
The statistics speak for themselves.
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8. NHTSA Report (continued)
Loading passenger vans causes:
Center of gravity to shift rearward and upward increasing the likelihood of rollover.
Shift in the center of gravity will also increase the potential for loss of control in panic maneuvers.
It is important that the van be operated by experienced drivers:
They should understand and be familiar with the handling characteristics of their vans, especially when fully loaded.
Any load placed on the roof will be above the center of gravity of the vehicle and will increase the likelihood of rolling over.
Loading the van is a key component in how this vehicle reacts in a sudden turning or braking maneuver.
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9. Accident Facts
25% of all driving accidents are the result of excessive speed.
70% of driving accidents occur within 25 miles from home.
1 out of 4 employees who drive experience an accident while at work.
Most people know someone who has died in a car accident.
NHTSA
Additionally, and average 42,000 people die in motor vehicle fatalities every years.
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10. Common Causes of Rollovers
Hits a Ditch or Embankment
Runs into soft soil
Is tripped by running into or over a curb or similar object
Over correcting the steering when:
- A wheel drops of the pavement
- Making a panic reaction to an emergency
Over correcting, referred to as over-steering
- Over-steering can cause rollover especially at high speeds
- Can cause “fishtailing”. Once a van fishtails beyond 15 degrees, it is almost impossible to recover.
Most of these causes can be eliminated by reducing speed and increasing following distances.
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11. Passenger Van Facts
A speed that may be acceptable in a passenger car could be dangerous in a van.
You should fill the front seats first. The center of gravity shifts to the rear and upward increasing the likelihood of rollover as capacity increases.
The shift in the center of gravity will also increase the potential for loss of control in panic maneuvers.
Low tire pressure will cause the van to roll over more easily especially in the rear
Ensure vans are equipped with light truck (L/T) tires
Soft shoulders and culverts pose a hazard in rural areas.
Facts that everyone who drives or rides in 15 passengers need to know.
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12. Driving Tips For all kinds of vehicles. Defensive Driving Theories
Dealing with aggressive drivers
Backing the vehicle
Highway driving
City Driving
Rural Driving
Emergency situations
Vehicle accidents
These tips are good no matter what vehicle you are driving.
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13. Driving Tips for all Vehicles
Avoid sharp turns
Avoid excessive speed and abrupt maneuvers
Don’t drive tired
Don’t drive in bad weather
Allow 2-3 second following distance (3-4 or even 5)
Rest stops often (every 2 hrs. recommended or 100 miles)
Wear seat belts. Seat belts are a must to survive a rollover!
Children shall be in an appropriate safety seat. Children over 4 years of age shall be in boaster seat.
Drive during the day, if possible
Require someone to be awake in the front seat with the driver on long trips
Soft shoulders and culverts pose a hazard in rural areas.
Tire pressure must be at approved levels
Get familiar to the handling characteristics
This sounds like a lot to remember but if you know what makes a safe vehicle, you reduce the risks of a collision.
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14. Driving Tips For all vehicles (continued)
Obey all laws, signs and speed limits
Stay in the right lane unless passing slower vehicles, then return to right lane
If you choose not to obey the laws, you not only place yourself at risk, you place 14 other lives at risk. THINK ABOUT IT!!
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15. Driver Actions Drive with courtesy Be calm when driving
Concentrate when driving
No cell phones, Ipods, blackberrys or other hand held devices or action that could cause distraction while driving
Drive defensively
Experienced driver do have an advantage, but those who have never driven these vehicle must be aware that they do not handle like other vehicles, especially when loaded.
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16. Dealing With Aggressive Drivers
Avoid eye contact
Don’t cut in front of other drivers
Allow fellow drivers to merge
Don’t aggravate fellow drivers with hand gestures
Don’t tailgate
Use your horn sparingly
If followed, do not go home
Aggressive drives are one thing, but drivers of these vehicle have to be more cautious and cannot be aggressive in nature while behind the wheel. These vehicle are subject to turn over especially if they are fully loaded.
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17. Backing The Vehicle Use a spotter Back to the left (driver’s side)
Avoid backing up if you miss a ramp/exit.
Use outside mirrors (adjust ahead of time)
Park in an area, if possible, where you do not have to back-up
Driving if practiced, can be handled if blind spots are identified. Backing is altogether different. Backing in a controlled environment with a backing is a must before getting on the road. If possible, park in areas where you do not have to backup.
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18. Highway Driving Lane changes and signals Merges Blind Spots
Slow moving vehicles
Highway driving, at best, can be difficult with a standard vehicle. Vans tend to have slower acceleration, and slower braking capabilities. To eliminate quick turning maneuvers and to avoid rollover crashes, increased braking and following distances. Usually 4-5 seconds following distances in normal weather, but increase both when inclement weather is present.
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19. City Driving Stop signs Stop lights Yield Signs Signals Blind spots
Pedestrians
Bicyclist
This is where patients is a virtue. All motor vehicle laws must be understood and obeyed to ensure passenger safety and mission accomplish is obtained.
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20. Rural Driving Bicyclist Walkers Domestic Animals/Wild Life
Soft shoulders
Culverts
Curves, hills and narrow roads
Things to be aware of that may impact your driving. Often along rural roadways, drivers have a tendency to drift off the pavement. This can be hazardous when a recovery is attempted. Rural roads sometimes have low and soft shoulders making it difficult to return back on the hard surface roads.
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21. Emergency Situations Encountering emergency vehicles Headlights go out
Tire blow out
Engine failure
Break Failure
Plan B for your passengers?
Always be on the lookout for the unexpected events. Escape routes, mechanical failure. If you are the van pool driver and sponsor of your passengers, what is your plan incase of vehicle breakdown. Safety of your passengers must be part of that plan.
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22. Check-Out Procedures Drivers must be 21 years of age or older
Vehicle usage must be pre-approved (CCC New Driver Application form)
Driver’s must have a valid state driver’s license.
Inspect the vehicle and report any problems (see CCC Vehicle Inspection form)
Ensure tires are fully inflated to van (check driver door tag) or tire manufacture's specifications
Commands, Supervisors, Motor Pool Managers, Motor Vehicle Coordinators must ensure that drivers are experienced, trained, qualified, and authorized, by the authority having jurisdiction (AHJ), to drive 15 passenger vans. Checking for a driver’s licenses is not the only thing that is needed.
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23. Vehicle Accident
The most important thing is to make sure everyone involved is safe. If there are injuries, secure medical assistance as soon as possible.
Make sure the vehicles are safely off the traveled portion of the road and that traffic is properly being addressed.
Stay calm. Do not become confrontational or argumentative with other people. Do not admit liability.
Claims adjusters will fully investigate the loss and determine the facts surrounding the loss based on that investigation.
Contact the police, even if the accident is minor, so a record of the occurrence is established and preserved.
Exchange pertinent information with all people involved with the loss; and obtain pertinent information from all witnesses.
Pertinent information: full names, all participants including passengers, addresses, phone numbers and tag numbers, including any business numbers.
If your vehicle is not able to be driven and needs to be towed, get the name of the storage facility where it is being taken.
Report the loss to your claims adjuster as soon as possible.
Vehicle accidents happen, you must know what to do before it happens. What is your responsibility to your passengers, vehicle motor pool, command, state or local police departments and to the other vehicle operator?
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24. Overview Passenger vans should be operated by experienced drivers.
To insure the most qualified driver, CCC requires that Individuals have turned in a New Driver Information form. They must be 21 years of age or older and have provided a current acceptable three year history Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) based on criteria included in the Safety Manual. A new MVR will be required every three years and more often for trip drivers.
If you have any questions please contact your Safety point of contact, command safety coordinator, MLC Safety Division or USCG HQ Shore Safety Division.
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