Passenger Van Driving Tips

Vans are a popular mode of transportation for organizations such as college groups, soccer clubs and church groups. Such groups tend to drive 15-passenger vans often without much training or experience putting not only the dozen plus passengers aboard at risk but those outside of the van as well. And as the spring driving season comes around, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) released a list of safety tips to reduce van wrecks and to improve van safety. Wearing a seatbelt every trip every time is perhaps one of the most basic of tips.

Overloading may be tempting when placing people into the vans but people should abstain - it is not advisable to overload. The government agency stated that these 15-passenger vans tend to be sensitive to handling a load that is greater than what it is intended to handle. Research shows that overloading vans can increase rollover risk and the vehicle could become more unstable in handling certain maneuvers.

Another situation to look into is to make sure the van is well maintained and up to the manufacturer’s specifications. Pay particular attention to the pressure level needed for the front and rear tires, it may differ. Also, make sure that the tires on your vehicle are appropriate for what it is being used for, per the manufacturer. This includes paying attention to the thread of the tires. Overtime, they lose their thread and should be replaced. Spare tires should not be used to replace worn tires, per the government agency. A rule of thumb to consider when dealing with spare tires according to various manufacturers is that if it hasn’t been used in at least a decade, it is better to replace it.

Below is a quick recap of the van safety tips that can be used for anyone who is planning a trip in a 15-passanger van:

• ·         Do not overload the van, it messes with handling and can be dangerous.

• ·         Make sure that you and your passengers are buckled in your seats for every trip.

• ·         If you are an owner, make sure the vehicle is regularly maintained.

• ·         Owners should make sure that their vehicles are up to the manufacturer standards before, intermittently, and after each trip. This includes proper maintenance at intervals suggested by the manufacturer and replacing parts when necessary.

• ·         Tires should be appropriate for the trip and any that are worn down should be replaced with the right tire pressure.

• ·         Owners should ensure that people who want to drive their 15-passenger vans should be properly licensed and have appropriate operating experienced.

Following these simple tips can save a driver a lot of grief and make their trips more enjoyable.

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