2 dead, 14 hurt in Oregon Church Van Rollover

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http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5hFlXBkYAR-0VzPSGkrmT7FLjhA-gD9BUJ4B80

Driving a large van is not like driving your everyday car. Does your church own a 12-15 passenger van (or something larger)? If so then what kind of training do you have in place to allow others to drive it? The common response that I hear from churches is, “none”!

According to a report from the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration posted by South Eastern Oklahoma State University the below facts apply to oversized vans:

~ 15-passenger vans have a increased rollover risk under certain conditions

~ The risk of rollover increases dramatically as the number of occupant’s increases from fewer than five occupants to over ten passengers.

~ 15-passenger vans (with 10 or more occupants) had a rollover rate in single vehicle crashes that is nearly 3 x the rate of those that were lightly loaded.

~ Loading 15-passenger vans causes the center of gravity to shift rearward and upward increasing the likelihood of rollover. Shift in the center of gravity will also increase the potential for loss of control in panic maneuvers.

~ It is important that the van be operated by experienced drivers, they should understand and be familiar with the handling characteristics of their vans, especially when fully loaded.

~ Institutions using 15-passenger vans should require seat belt use at all times.

~ Any load placed on the roof will be above the center of gravity of the vehicle and will increase the likelihood of rolling over.