15 Passenger Vans="Death Traps"
Attorney
(866) 735-1102 Ext 375
A 15 passenger bus (commonly referred to as a 15 passenger van) is designed to seat 14 passengers and a driver. The design of these buses is a standard cargo chassis with an extended full-size body that has been equipped with passenger seating. These buses have been sold by GM, Ford, and Chrysler under various names:
1. Chevrolet Express 3500
2. GMC Savana G3500
3. Dodge Ram Van/Wagon B3500
4. Ford Econoline E350
5. Ford Club Wagon E350
6. GMC Rally/Vandura G3500
On April 9, 2001, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) issued a warning that 15 passenger vans/buses had an increased rollover risk under certain conditions. Former NHTSA Chief, Joan Claybrook (current director of Public Citizen) called the 15 passenger van a "death trap" that becomes even more dangerous when used for the intended purpose of hauling many people. (Denver Post, June 22, 2002).
What is the Design Hazard?
* High center of gravity that gets higher with every additional passenger
* Loading the van shifts the center of gravity rearward and upward
* Short wheel base
* Insufficient track width
* Rear seats behind rear axle (rear overhang)
* Very unstable, especially during emergency maneuvers (strong tendency to over steer and wander)
* Lack of dual rear wheels (which are required on all buses designed to hold more than 10 people)
* Loading near capacity creates heavy rear load which causes control problems and over stresses rear wheels, contributing to tire failure.
These vehicles are so dangerous that Chrysler recently stopped making them. Yet, every month or so, I hear another story about a terrible accident involving one of these vehicles. Just this week, two women were killed and 14 injured in Georgia when the 2001 Dodge Ram van in which they were passengers crashedu>.
The standard short school bus with dual rear wheels is a much safer alternative. It has a lower center of gravity, a wider wheel base, and little or no rear overhang. All organizations, especially schools, should replace their 15 passenger vans with the safer buses. I refuse to allow my children to ride in a 15 passenger bus, even if it means that they are not permitted to participate in a class trip. The danger is too great.