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USCG Motor Vehicle Safety Program 15-Passenger Van Safety . Introduction . 15-Passenger Vans & Safety Concerns USCG Policy COMDTINST 5100.47. CH 10 Motor Vehicle Safety and COMDTINST 11240.9C Motor Vehicle Manual Classroom Training Practical Hands On Training (when available)
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Introduction • 15-Passenger Vans & Safety Concerns • USCG Policy COMDTINST 5100.47. CH 10 Motor Vehicle Safety and COMDTINST 11240.9C Motor Vehicle Manual • Classroom Training • Practical Hands On Training (when available) • Checkout Procedures • Licensing
Cause for Concern In Oregon, a 15 passenger van rolled over on an icy highway, killing one woman and seriously injuring seven others In California, a 15 passenger van carrying 14 young adults to a religious retreat rolled over, killing five passengers. They were only five minutes away from their destination
Cause for Concern • In Colorado, five firefighters were killed on the way to a forest fire when their 15-passenger van rolled • In Maine, a 15 passenger van full of forestry workers crashed and rolled over causing the deaths of 14 passengers
Many Different Groups Use Them/ • All Areas of Government, DOD, DHS etc. • Colleges and Universities • Correctional Facilities • Summer Camps • Van Pools • Organizations That Transport Migrant Workers
Agenda • NHTSA Report • Accident Facts • 15-Passenger Van Facts • Driving Tips • Licensing Procedures
Vocabulary • NHTSA – National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. • NSC – National Safety Council • CDL – Commercial Driver’s License • OF-346- U.S. Government Motor Vehicle Operator’s Permit
NHTSA Report • 15-passenger vans have a increased rollover risk under certain conditions • 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 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.
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.
NHTSA Report (continued) • Loading 15-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.
USCG Requirements • COMDTINST 5100.47 Chapter 10 Motor Vehicle Safety requires government drivers to be trained and authorized to drive. • Must possess an OF-346 Gov’t Motor Vehicle Operators Permit with van endorsement. • All USCG components using 15-passenger vans shall require seat belt use at all times.
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/
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.
15-Passenger Van Facts • A speed that may be acceptable in a passenger car could be dangerous in a van. • A 16 passenger vehicle requires a CDL • 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.
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
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 • Obtain training and authorization if driving 15-passenger vans for hire or the military.
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
Driver Actions • Drive with courtesy • Be calm when driving • Concentrate when driving • No cell phones, Ipods, trios or other hand held devices or action that could cause distraction while driving • Drive defensively
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
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. • Park in an area, if possible, where you do not have to back-up
Highway Driving • Lane changes and signals • Merges • Blind Spots • Slow moving vehicles
City Driving Stop signs Stop lights Yield Signs Signals Blind spots Pedestrians Bicyclist
Rural Driving • Bicyclist • Walkers • Domestic Animals/Wild Life • Soft shoulders • Culverts • Curves, hills and narrow roads
Emergency Situations • Encountering emergency vehicles • Headlights go out • Tire blow out • Engine failure • Break Failure • Plan B for your passengers?
Check-Out Procedures • Vehicle usage must be pre-approved by the unit or fleet manager/ vehicle manager • U.S. Gov’t van driver’s must have a valid state driver’s license with OF-346 endorsement for vans • Keys must be picked up by the driver. • Inspect the vehicle and report any problems. • Ensure tires are fully inflated to van or tire manufacture's specifications
Vehicle Accident • Never leave the scene of an accident. • Dial 911, and render care to the injured if possible • Gather all the facts (date, time, witnesses, phone numbers, etc.) • Immediately report all accidents to your unit, CO/XO of CPO or designated officer or other authority • Report Mishap thru E-Mishap Data Base and fill out SF-91 Motor Vehicle Accident Report and send to the Motor Vehicle Manager (MFM) Located at the ISC of your area • When in doubt ask your Safety Office
Overview • 15-passenger Vans should be operated by experienced drivers. (i.e. 5 or more years driving similar type vehicles, such as vans, SUV's.) • To insure the most qualified driver, USCG HQ Motor Vehicle Safety Division highly recommends: • 5 years of driving experience if possible • Successfully complete classroom program • Successfully completion of PQS and road skills test • OF-346 and valid state license • Approval by authority
Questions Contact John Johnston USCG HQ CG-1132 Shore Safety Division 202-475-5206 John.T.Johnston@uscg.mil