15-Passenger Vans are extremely dangerous vehicles with a high propensity to roll over, which increases dramatically when five or more people ride as occupants (in the van sold to carry 15!). Additionally, these poorly designed vehicles have weak roofs that crush in during rollover crashes, often leading to occupant death or paraplegia. Most disturbingly, these dangerous vehicles are often used to transport young people for day care and sports teams and the elderly for churches and community groups. NHTSA has acknowledged in warnings to users for years that these vehicles are deadly, but continues to sit on its hands regarding any meaningful new safety standards that would alleviate their risks. SAFETEA-LU includes 15-passenger vans in the rulemaking obligations listed above, for roof crush, rollover prevention, and ejection prevention standards by covering vehicles up to 10,000 pounds.

Other Related Articles

1. 15-Passenger Vans are High-Riding Death Traps
2. General Motors Co. Recalling 425,000 Vans
3. Roof strength rule delayed again
4. Vehicle Crash Tests Predict Car but not Truck Safety
5. Roof strength does matter