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Fifteen-passenger vans, widely used for transporting college sports teams, van pools, summer- activity organized groups and church outings, among others, have long been under scrutiny because of "rollover" risks, lack of adequate passenger safety belts, and difficulty with handling, risks which have been documented according to WPTV5 in West Palm Beach. Rollover accidents most frequently result in the potential for serious injuries and/or death to multiple passengers.

The risks are so high that the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) prohibited pre-schools, primary, and secondary schools from transporting children in 15-passenger vans. According to federal statistics, 521 people died in crashes involving 15-passenger vans in the years 2004-2010. The Federal Fatality Analysis report shows that between 2009 and 2013, Florida led the nation in crashes involving 15-passenger vans.

Some Florida examples of these accidents are:

• March 2015 - Eight people died and others were injured when a Moore Haven, Florida church van’s brakes failed as it was negotiating a curve. The van crashed and went into a canal.
• September 2013 - In Lee County, a church van carrying 15 passengers swerved because of a tire malfunction. The van rollover killed one man and injured all the other passengers.
• In another 2013, 15-passenger van accident, the van flipped over along I-75. Three people were killed and 12 others injured. The van was later found to be overloaded carrying 16 passengers. A blown tire was determined to be the cause of the van's flipping.

Safety Research and Strategies Inc., a company that researches and analyzes injuries associated with product hazards, reported in 2012 that the NTSB (National Traffic Safety Board) had asked for more safety regulations and design improvements back in 2001. The NTSB wanted to prevent 15-passenger van accidents. Every May since 2001, the NHTSA has issued consumer advisories about the dangers of 15-passenger vans. The NHTSA has been urging users of 15-passenger vans to be careful and take specific steps to keep drivers and passengers safe.

Why are 15-passenger vans so dangerous?

Today's 15-passenger vans were originally manufactured to carry cargo. Safety advocates say that automobile manufacturers never redesigned 15-passenger vans to safely transport people.

The likelihood of rollovers with 15-passenger vans increases when five or more passengers are inside. The rear of these vans extends 4 to 5 1/2 feet beyond the rear wheels. Instability occurs during emergency maneuvers such as any sudden turns. Because of the instability, the vans tend to fishtail (swerve or skid from side to side). When this happens, because they are top heavy and overloaded in the rear, they tend to roll over which in many cases results in disastrous outcomes. The latest data from the NSTB in 2012 showed that when examining single vehicle crash data from seven states from 1994-1997, it needed to issue warnings.

Even though they have not been redesigned, there have been later advances such as stabilizer bars, rollover sensors, and crash sensors. However, safety advocates say 15-passenger vans still have shortcomings such as:

• High centers of gravity with every added passenger raising the center of gravity.
• Flat sides which in crosswinds will contribute to instability.
• Structural rigidity because they were designed for hauling cargo.
• Seating configurations which disproportionately place weight on the tires coupled with under-inflated tires often results in tire failure and loss of control.

What precautions can be taken when driving a 15-passsenger van?

The NHTSA gives the following recommendations:

• Keep passenger loads light. (five to ten maximum)
• When the van is not full, passengers should sit in seats that are in front of the rear axle.
• Check tire pressure weekly.
• Replace tires per manufacturer guidelines regardless of tread depth.
• Require all occupants to use their seat belts.
• Use only qualified drivers.
• Position cargo ahead of the rear axle, and do not use roof storage or tow anything.
• Watch speed and road conditions.

Under Florida state laws, both the driver and the owner of the vehicle can be held responsible whenever there is an auto accident resulting in injuries and/or death. Passenger van cases are usually quite complex because there may be multiple liable parties. For example, the school or organization responsible for transporting the individuals may be held liable. The passenger van rental company may be held liable. The driver may also be held partly responsible for negligent behavior in loading or driving the van. If the tire that blew out was defective, attorneys could investigate the possibility of a lawsuit against the manufacturer.

"Passenger van rollover accidents are complicated and require the assistance of experienced attorneys," said Fort Myers Accident Attorney, Randall Spivey of Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorney. "If you or a loved one has been injured in a large-van accident, you need to consult an attorney to learn about your rights under Florida law."

Fort Myers Vehicle Rollover Attorney, Randall L. Spivey is a Board Certified Trial Attorney – the highest recognition for competence bestowed by the Florida Bar and a distinction earned by just one (1%) percent of Florida attorneys.  He has handled over 2,000 personal injury and wrongful death cases throughout Florida.  For a free and confidential consultation to discuss your legal rights, contact the Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A., in Lee County at 239.337.7483 or toll free at 1.888.477.4839,or by email to Randall@SpiveyLaw.com.  Visit SpiveyLaw.com for more information.  You can contact Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A.in Charlotte County at 941.764.7748 and in Collier County 239.793.7748.