Motor Vehicle Safety Program Passenger Van Safety

1. Motor Vehicle Safety ProgramPassenger Van Safety

2. Introduction • Passenger Vans & Safety Concerns • Motor Vehicle Safety Policy in the CCC Safety Manual • Classroom Seminar Training • Practical Hands On Training (when available) • Vehicle Checkout Procedures • Driver application process

3. Cause for Concern Accidents, accidents, accidents! Backing accident, our #1 issue. Potential for personal injuries and property damage. Loss of vehicle use.

4. Agenda • NHTSA Report • Accident Facts • Passenger Van Facts • Driving Tips • New Driver Application process

5. Vocabulary • NHTSA – National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. • NSC – National Safety Council • CDL – Commercial Driver’s License

6. NHTSA Report • 15-passenger vans have a increased rollover risk under certain conditions. • 15-passenger vans if used may not have more than 12 passengers including the driver (see CCC Motor Vehicle Safety Manual). • The risk of rollover increases dramatically as the number of occupants increases from fewer than five occupants to over ten passengers. • 15-passenger vans (with more occupants) had a rollover rate in single vehicle crashes that is nearly 3 x the rate of those that were lightly loaded.

7. NHTSA Report • In a 12 year period, there were over 1,570 fatal crashes involving 15-passenger vans. • These crashes accounted for over 1,100 passenger deaths. • The rollover rate dramatically increases as the number of passengers increase. • Fifteen-passenger vans with ten or more occupants had a rollover rate in single vehicle crashes nearly three times the rate as when they were lightly loaded. • The odds of a 15 passenger van rolling over when it is filled to capacity is five times the odds of rollover when the driver is only one in the van.

8. NHTSA Report (continued) • Loading passenger vans causes: • 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. • Any load placed on the roof will be above the center of gravity of the vehicle and will increase the likelihood of rolling over.

9. Accident Facts • 25% of all driving accidents are the result of excessive speed. • 70% of driving accidents occur within 25 miles from home. • 1 out of 4 employees who drive experience an accident while at work. • Most people know someone who has died in a car accident. • NHTSA http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/

10. Common Causes of Rollovers • Hits a Ditch or Embankment • Runs into soft soil • Is tripped by running into or over a curb or similar object • Over correcting the steering when: - A wheel drops of the pavement - Making a panic reaction to an emergency • Over correcting, referred to as over-steering - Over-steering can cause rollover especially at high speeds - Can cause “fishtailing”. Once a van fishtails beyond 15 degrees, it is almost impossible to recover.

11. Passenger Van Facts • A speed that may be acceptable in a passenger car could be dangerous in a van. • You should fill the front seats first. The center of gravity shifts to the rear and upward increasing the likelihood of rollover as capacity increases. • The shift in the center of gravity will also increase the potential for loss of control in panic maneuvers. • Low tire pressure will cause the van to roll over more easily especially in the rear • Ensure vans are equipped with light truck (L/T) tires • Soft shoulders and culverts pose a hazard in rural areas.

12. Driving Tips • For all kinds of vehicles. • Defensive Driving Theories • Dealing with aggressive drivers • Backing the vehicle • Highway driving • City Driving • Rural Driving • Emergency situations • Vehicle accidents

13. Driving Tips for all Vehicles • Avoid sharp turns • Avoid excessive speed and abrupt maneuvers • Don’t drive tired • Don’t drive in bad weather • Allow 2-3 second following distance (3-4 or even 5) • Rest stops often (every 2 hrs. recommended or 100 miles) • Wear seat belts. Seat belts are a must to survive a rollover! Children shall be in an appropriate safety seat. Children over 4 years of age shall be in boaster seat. • Drive during the day, if possible • Require someone to be awake in the front seat with the driver on long trips • Soft shoulders and culverts pose a hazard in rural areas. • Tire pressure must be at approved levels • Get familiar to the handling characteristics

14. Driving Tips For all vehicles (continued) • Obey all laws, signs and speed limits • Stay in the right lane unless passing slower vehicles, then return to right lane

15. Driver Actions • Drive with courtesy • Be calm when driving • Concentrate when driving • No cell phones, Ipods, blackberrys or other hand held devices or action that could cause distraction while driving • Drive defensively

16. Dealing With Aggressive Drivers • Avoid eye contact • Don’t cut in front of other drivers • Allow fellow drivers to merge • Don’t aggravate fellow drivers with hand gestures • Don’t tailgate • Use your horn sparingly • If followed, do not go home

17. Backing The Vehicle • Use a spotter • Back to the left (driver’s side) • Avoid backing up if you miss a ramp/exit. • Use outside mirrors (adjust ahead of time) • Park in an area, if possible, where you do not have to back-up

18. Highway Driving • Lane changes and signals • Merges • Blind Spots • Slow moving vehicles

19. City Driving Stop signs Stop lights Yield Signs Signals Blind spots Pedestrians Bicyclist

20. Rural Driving • Bicyclist • Walkers • Domestic Animals/Wild Life • Soft shoulders • Culverts • Curves, hills and narrow roads

21. Emergency Situations • Encountering emergency vehicles • Headlights go out • Tire blow out • Engine failure • Break Failure • Plan B for your passengers?

22. Check-Out Procedures • Drivers must be 21 years of age or older • Vehicle usage must be pre-approved (CCC New Driver Application form) • Driver’s must have a valid state driver’s license. • Inspect the vehicle and report any problems (see CCC Vehicle Inspection form) • Ensure tires are fully inflated to van (check driver door tag) or tire manufacture's specifications

23. Vehicle Accident • The most important thing is to make sure everyone involved is safe. If there are injuries, secure medical assistance as soon as possible. • Make sure the vehicles are safely off the traveled portion of the road and that traffic is properly being addressed. • Stay calm. Do not become confrontational or argumentative with other people. Do not admit liability. • Claims adjusters will fully investigate the loss and determine the facts surrounding the loss based on that investigation. • Contact the police, even if the accident is minor, so a record of the occurrence is established and preserved. • Exchange pertinent information with all people involved with the loss; and obtain pertinent information from all witnesses. • Pertinent information: full names, all participants including passengers, addresses, phone numbers and tag numbers, including any business numbers. • If your vehicle is not able to be driven and needs to be towed, get the name of the storage facility where it is being taken. • Report the loss to your claims adjuster as soon as possible.

24. Overview • Passenger vans should be operated by experienced drivers. • To insure the most qualified driver, CCC requires that Individuals have turned in a New Driver Information form. They must be 21 years of age or older and have provided a current acceptable three year history Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) based on criteria included in the Safety Manual. A new MVR will be required every three years and more often for trip drivers.