While all car accidents can be dangerous, accidents in which a vehicle rolls over have a highly elevated chance of causing serious injury or death. Thus, it would seem that vehicles that are particularly prone to rolling would be avoided, or even made illegal. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. Despite the fact that they are repeatedly found to be some of the most dangerous vehicles on the road, 15 passenger vans continue to be used by many groups that need to move large groups of people.
The first logical question is: what makes these vans so dangerous? Studies have shown that there are multiple reasons. For one thing, the vans tend to have a standard length wheelbase, but the passenger cabin extends significantly further back than a normal van’s would. The result is a larger than average load extending behind the back axel of the vehicle. This causes the van to become unbalanced, and if it must swerve to avoid an obstacle, the back end may swing out and cause a side-ways slide or spin. Another issue that makes 15 passenger vans likely to roll is that they have high centers of gravity. In other words, particularly when carrying a full load of passengers, the vans are very top-heavy. If the vehicle begins to tip for any reason, there is a high possibility that it will continue into a full roll.
Both of these factors lead to the fact that, when carrying a full load of people, 15 passenger vans are three times more likely to roll than are standard vans. Unfortunately, the design issues that lead to increased likelihood of roll-over accidents is exacerbated by the fact that many individuals who are left with the responsibility of driving these vans have little or no experience driving such a large vehicle. When a scout troop leader, sports team coach, choir or band director, or church group supervisor gets behind the wheel without understanding the van’s inherent risks, the results can be catastrophic.
The instability of 15 passenger vans makes them more vulnerable to other common road hazards, as well. Tire blowouts, potholes, uneven pavement, and other road defects all have an increased more chance of leading to a serious accident when 15 passenger vans are involved.
For more information about 15 passenger vans liability issues, visit the website of the Stevens Point car accident attorneys of Habush Habush & Rottier, S.C. today.
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