15 Passenger Van Safety Awareness

Disclaimer This training session is intended as safety awareness training only. It is not intended as a certification or licensing on 15-passenger vans. The purposes of this training is to increase the safety of Yukon Wilderness Tourism drivers’ and their passengers through an increased knowledge of best practices and awareness of potential hazards of 15 passenger vans.

Credits Texas Tech University Van Safety Training Transport Canada 12 and 15 Passenger Van Fact Sheet TP2436E (2011) Western Silvilcultural Contractors’ Association Transportation Safety (2007) Maine Department of Labour Safety Works - 12 & 15 Passenger Van Defensive Driver Training NHTSA Action Plan for 15 Passenger Van Safety (2004) NHTSA 15 Passenger Van Safety Kit (Online) Texas Tech University Van Safety Training

Why are we here?

What we will cover Van Characteristics Van Inspection Safe Driving Skills Driving Environments Special Considerations Transporting Cargo Transporting Passengers Accidents Operator Conduct

15 passenger van notes US stats - over 12 years there were approx. 1,500 large passenger van accidents 1,111 fatalities 657 single vehicle crashes 50% roll-overs

van notes con’t Driver inexperience with vans and poor loading contributed to loss of control Transport Canada currently studying 15 van safety, due to high accident rate. 90% of fatalities were not belted in

why is it so different anyway ??? The 15 Passenger van... why is it so different anyway ???

Vans....hmmmm?

Wider Longer Heavier Higher Centre of Gravity

More blind spots Needs more road space and “safety cushion” Needs more braking distance and time Handles poorly to abrupt steering

Van Pre-Trip Inspection Is your ride ready?

so? what do we look for? Is it legal to be on the road??? See that you have all the correct documents, such as insurance and ownership on board.

so? what do we look for? Is it mechanically safe to drive? Observe Van for damage and fluid leaks. Report before proceeding further.

Tires, condition, and proper inflation? Fluids, all topped up? Lights and horn? Seat belts all work and enough for all passengers? First Aid kit and fire extinguishers INFLATED spare tire and needed tools Van is free of clutter and clean...why?

is this how the dash should look while driving????

Walk Around Time! Develop a consistent “walk around” process that you follow every time. Consider having a checklist. This way you avoid missing important items.

Walk Around Time! Different companies may have different rules but vans don’t change. A consistent and logical walk around helps you to focus on the vehicle aspects. Be sure to review any company policy in advance.

Driver Pre-Trip check Are you ready to drive?... are you sure?

...Ahh, the open road, no boss along, yippee!...

...Ahh, the open road, no boss along, yippee!... ...WHICH MEANS YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR A SAFE DRIVE!

Are you legally allowed to drive?

Valid class 4 licence to drive a 15 passenger van in the Yukon.

Valid class 5 licence ONLY if the maximum legal seating capacity does not exceed 10 (rear seats must be removed)

Insurance? Company transportation policy? Do you know where you are going? (maps, reviewed BEFORE you set out, and bring one along too...) Are you physically capable of driving today? How do you feel?

FINE is not OK to drive.

It’s all about YOU What factors affect us as drivers?

oh? do i need to drive?...now??!

ARE YOU.... Well-rested? Hung over? Sick? Angry, emotional or distracted?

ARE YOU.... On allergy medication? Taking prescription medication that can impair you? Sober?

DID YOU.... Exceed your “duty day” or driving hrs.? Check the weather? Get a road report? Pack and prepare to overnight if you get delayed?

...It’s a little bit of everything...and more! Yukon Driving ... ...It’s a little bit of everything...and more!

what do we “encounter” Long distances Varied road conditions “Interesting” weather Big brown “Van Killing” Animals Poor communications in most areas

Safety on the Road Speed limits are for cars, not loaded vans. Slower is better.

Soft Shoulders = Roll Over Risk Washboard roads = much slower speed.

Tourist drivers = distracted drivers Defensive driving is the name of the game; don’t wear a winnebago!

Windy? Beware Crosswind conditions Especially when towing or stowing. And when the van is light (empty). Big trucks create gusts as they pass you, which can cause momentary instability.

Warning Signs Red flags on the shoulder of the road = warning of rough or gravel area on paved roads. SLOW DOWN until sure of surface.

Don’t Hurry Back Adjust the trip time to weather and road conditions. Be prepared to overnight.

Slow and Steady Keeps it Safe Posted speed limits are set with cars in mind.

Dangerous Curves ALWAYS slow to BELOW the posted limit for all turns and poor road conditions.

Soft Shoulders What happens if you drop the right side wheels onto the soft shoulder while driving?

Empty Nest Even empty, 15 passenger vans react differently than a car. Why do you think that is? How do they react?

Co-Driving Consider having a co-driver - the guide? Act as a second pair of eyes. Handle passenger requests or other tasks such as communicating with the company.

70% of van accidents involve backing into things...! Avoid backing up. Drive through if possible. If you must back up, do so on arrival, not when leaving.

Backing Up Do a walk around - look for obstacles. Use a spotter (trip guide) to help you. Arrange signals before you start!

Cargo loading How much should you carry? Where should it go? What NOT to carry? Is it secure??

How Much? NEVER exceed the Maximum vehicle weight rating! ALWAY load with road and weather conditions in mind.

Where? Load to the front. Heavy behind the rear axle = lighter front axle. Lighter front axle = tires don’t stay on the road. Tires not on road = loss of steering .

What NOT to carry? Gas cans or other flammable items should NEVER be in the passenger compartment. Bear spray should be stowed appropriately.

What NOT to carry? TOO MUCH Consider a second transport vehicle for cargo.

Passengers!

How Many? Only as many as legally allowable. To your licence class To the amount of seats with working seat belts (‘cause we checked them in the pre-trip, right?)

Where do they Go? Load passengers from front to back. Heaviest passengers in forward section. Why do we do this?

They are Your Responsibility Until You Drop Them Off At the Right Destination! !!

Pre-Load Briefing Safety procedures and exits Fire extinguishers and First Aid Kit location Seat Belt Use policy Climate Controls in back Route and expected break times

You should know of any particular medical issues...why is this important?

Head Count! Make sure you have all the passengers on board after a rest break!

Accident Avoidance Good driving habits all the time make the difference You can avoid accidents by understanding risk.

What makes a good driver better? Practice safe driving techniques all the time. Plan the trip before you go. Be calm and well-rested. Have superior situational awareness.

Resources http://www.tc.gc.ca/eng/roadsafety/tp-tp2436-rs200808-menu-202.htm (Transport Canada FAQ) http://wsca.smartt.com/index.php?Page=232.0&Key=662 (Western Sivicultural Contractors’ Association Best Practices) http://www.safercar.gov/Vehicle+Shoppers/Passenger+Van+Safety (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) http://www.cultureofsafety.com/best-practice-guides/15-passenger-van- best-practices/ http://www.viu.ca/riskmanagement/documents/Volume14Issue1SUMME R20092.pdf (Risk Management Newsletter for BC Universities)