WASHINGTON - For the third time in four years, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has issued a warning to users of 15-passenger vans because of their increased rollover risk under certain conditions. Similar warnings were issued in 2001 and 2002.
The safety agency also unveiled an updated consumer hangtag for the vans and released three related research reports. One of the reports is a detailed analysis of 15-passenger van crashes between 1990 and 2002.
The new research reinforces the fact that 15-passenger vans have a rollover risk that increases dramatically as the number of passengers increases to full capacity.
Research has shown that the likelihood of a rollover when a 15-passenger van is fully loaded is about five times greater than when the vehicle contains only a driver. While an increased likelihood of rollover is present for other types of fully loaded passenger vehicles, it is most pronounced for 15-passenger vans.
The new NHTSA analysis also showed that the risk of rollover increased significantly at speeds over 50 miles per hour and on curved roads.
"It is vitally important that users of 15-passenger vans be aware of these risks," said NHTSA Administrator Jeffrey W. Runge, M.D. "It is critical that users follow safety precautions to significantly reduce those risks."
Among the safety recommendations are the following:
· 15-passenger vans should be operated by trained, experienced drivers.
· All occupants should wear safety belts at all times.
In fact, 76 percent of those who died in 15-passenger van rollovers nationwide in single vehicle crashes from 1990 to 2002 were not buckled up.
· If possible, have passengers and cargo forward of the rear axle and avoid placing any loads on the roof.
· Check the tires: Excessively worn or improperly inflated tires can lead to a loss-of-control situation and a rollover. At least once a month, check that the vans tires are properly inflated and the tread is not worn down.
In separate research reports, NHTSA also examined the effects of tire pressure on rollover resistance and assessed the viability of electronic stability control systems on 15-passenger vans.
The study, using a 2003 Ford F-350 and a 2004 GMC Savana, found that ESC could have some safety benefits under certain conditions.
General Motors plans to install an electronic stability control system on its 2006 models; Ford is considering the technology.
While federal law prohibits the sale of 15-passenger vans for the school-related transport of high school age and younger students, no such prohibition exists for vehicles to transport college students or other adult passengers.
For more information, go to www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/problems/studies/15PassVans/15PassCustomerAdvisory.htm