The Problem with 15-Passenger Vans By Terry Butler

Fifteen-passenger vans are unsafe for transporting large groups of people. If you know someone who still doubts this, try sharing these facts with him or her:

• Federal law prohibits the sale of 15-passenger vans for school-related transport of high school age and younger students because of the safety risks involved,
• Many states have passed regulations limiting the use of these vans.
• Many institutions have already set deadlines for discontinuing the use of 15-passenger vans.
• The nation's leading insurer of churches has stated that "15- passenger vans are inherently unsafe as currently used by many owners." They highly encourage "all organizations to strongly consider other transportation options."
• According to the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA), the rollover risk of 15-passenger vans is 35 percent when loaded with 10 to 15 passengers, and 70 percent when loaded with 16 or more passengers. By comparison, passenger cars have an average rollover risk of less than 10 percent.
• From 1990-2003, 424 people lost their lives in van rollover accidents and hundreds more have been seriously injured.


For even more compelling information, visit vanangels.com. The Solution Replace your van with a safe, 15-passenger bus that meets federal safety specifications. In addition to peace of mind, knowing you are doing everything possible to protect travelers, you'll experience these benefits:

• Dual rear wheels for added stability.
• Easy entry and exit.
• More headroom.
• Center aisle provides easy access to every seat.
• Greater comfort.


This article first appeared in YOUR CHURCH magazine, May/June 2007.

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