They are a common sight on our roads, used by churches, schools, and community groups to transport people efficiently. But the 15-passenger van carries a hidden and well-documented danger that most passengers are unaware of: a high risk of catastrophic rollover accidents.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has been warning the public about these risks for years. Their official guidance on 15-passenger van safety is a stark reminder that these vehicles do not handle like a normal car or minivan. When they are involved in a crash, the results can be devastating.

Understanding the unique dangers of these vans is crucial for anyone who owns, operates, or rides in one. For victims of a crash, this information can be the key to proving negligence and holding the responsible parties accountable.

Why Are 15-Passenger Vans So Dangerous?

The NHTSA’s research points to several critical factors that make these vans uniquely hazardous:

• High Center of Gravity: The design of a 15-passenger van places its center of gravity much higher than a standard vehicle. This makes it inherently less stable and more susceptible to tipping over, especially during a sharp turn or a sudden evasive maneuver.
• The Danger of a Full Load: The risk of a rollover increases dramatically as more passengers are added. NHTSA research has shown that a van with 10 or more occupants is nearly three times more likely to roll over in a crash than one with fewer than five occupants. The added weight raises the center of gravity even further, making the van dangerously top-heavy.
• Tire Pressure is Critical: Due to their weight, these vans require properly inflated, heavy-duty tires. The NHTSA warns that underinflated or improperly sized tires are a leading cause of 15-passenger van accidents, as a tire failure can easily lead to a complete loss of control.
• Inexperienced Drivers: These vans are significantly longer and wider than a typical car and require more skill to operate safely. Often, they are driven by volunteers or staff who are not properly trained to handle the vehicle’s unique characteristics.

Who is Liable When a 15-Passenger Van Crashes?

Because these vehicles are often operated by organizations, a crash can lead to a complex personal injury case with multiple liable parties.

• The Driver: If the driver was speeding, distracted, or operating the van recklessly, they are clearly negligent.
• The Owner/Operator (Church, School, or Company): The organization that owns the van has a legal duty to ensure it is safely maintained and operated. They can be held liable for:
  • Negligent Maintenance: Failing to ensure the tires were properly inflated and in good condition.
  • Negligent Entrustment: Allowing an untrained, unlicensed, or inexperienced person to drive the van.
  • Improper Loading: Overloading the van or failing to ensure passengers were seated to distribute weight safely.

These cases often involve catastrophic injuries to multiple victims. They can be similar in complexity to a bus accident and require a thorough investigation into the organization’s policies and procedures. In the tragic event of a fatality, a wrongful death claim is necessary to secure justice for the family.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a 15-passenger van accident, you need an attorney who understands the unique dangers and complex liability issues involved.

Contact Manoukian Law for a free and confidential consultation.