Large Passenger Van Driver Training

1. Large Passenger Van Driver Training Loss Prevention Guide

2. Large Van Handling Characteristics • The increased height, length and weight of large cargo and passenger vans affect their handling characteristics. • Vans handle differently than sedans even when performing routine vehicle maneuvers.

3. Center of Gravity in Cars • The center of gravity for a sedan is usually located at the bumper level of the vehicle. • This keeps the car from leaning too far in one direction or another during normal or emergency situations. • The low center of gravity also gives the vehicle road stability.

4. Center of Gravity in Large Vans • Much higher due to size and shape of van. • Center of gravity increases when add cargo or passenger weight. • When filled to capacity, high as the steering wheel.

5. Results of High Center of Gravity • Compromises the stability of the van especially during quick, unplanned maneuvers such as: • Sudden turns • Striking a curb at higher speeds • Running off the payment • Trying to bring wheels back to road surface too quickly.

6. The Impaired Driver • Lack of sleep • Alcohol or drug use • Fatigue • Sick

7. The Distracted Driver • Minimize distractions when driving • Do not use cell phones • Don’t eat or drink. • Rely on “shotgun” rider to adjust radio, help with directions, operate electronic equipment. • Van passengers distract driver

8. How to handle running off the pavement • Slow down! But avoid severe brake application. Slow down gradually. • Ease vehicle back only after greatly reducing speed. • Avoid turning the steering wheel too sharply while returning to road surface.

9. Taking curves too fast • Can cause a significant shift of weight causing the van to lean in the opposite direction of the curve. • As the weight of van shifts in response to the curve, the tires will come off the roadway and the van will literally flip on its side.

10. Tire Failure A primary contributor to any vehicle rollover is loss off control caused by tire failure • Tread separations can result in a dramatic loss of stability and directional control. • Causes vehicle weight to shift and become unbalanced.. • Because vans, trucks and SUVs have a higher center of gravity, they are particularly susceptible to this result

11. What to do if tire fails • Ease gently off the gas • Keep a firm grip on the steering wheel • While gently easing into the brakes, keep the vehicle pointed straight ahead and gradually reduce your speed. • Pull off the road without making any radical steering inputs.

12. What not to do if tire fails • Do not hit the brakes hard. . • Do not move the steering wheel abruptly.

13. Adverse Weather • Postpone trip if weather is bad • Reduce speed • Hydroplane in wet weather • Wind affects stability • Leave extra space

14. Before Leaving • Check mirrors and adjust as needed • Familiarize yourself with location and operation of key vehicle devices (lights, windshield wipers, heater, etc) • Check that all equipment/belongings stowed • Check that all passengers are seated with seatbelts on

15. Seatbelts • Drivers and passengers must buckle up. Eighty percent of people who died last year in single vehicle rollovers were not buckled up.

16. Stopping and Following • Stopping distance is longer in van than sedan • Allow a three to four second following distance • Increase following distance in inclement weather • Visualize where vehicle will be in 12 seconds

17. Create more space by reducing or increasing speed Use mirrors Ask for help from passengers Put blinkers on early Reduce speed For left turn, start turn farther forward For right turn, start turn as far into the intersection as possible. Changing Lanes and Turning

18. Backing/Parking the van • Try and avoid parking where you need to back out • Use spotters • Set parking brake • On hill, turn wheels so van will roll against curb • Back toward driver’s side

19. Loading and Unloading Passengers • Park van out of traffic or traveled lane. • Turn on hazard flashers • Turn ignition off when not in driver’s seat • Park on level surface and apply emergency brake • Assist passengers as needed • Make sure all passengers are clear of van before pulling forward.

20. Brakes on Steep Grades • Downshift to let engine compression dictate your speed • Maintain speed that reduces need to brake • If lose brakes, pump pedal

21. Yield to Safety Courtesy pays off

22. Question #1 Which of the following contribute to the potential for large vans to be involved in a rollover accident? • Excessive Speed • Improperly inflated tires • Driver distraction • All of the above

23. Answer to Question #1 Which of the following contribute to the potential for large vans to be involved in a rollover accident? • Excessive Speed • Improperly inflated tires • Driver distraction • All of the above

24. Question #2 A large passenger van will “drive” and react similarly to a standard passenger vehicle. • True • False

25. Answer to Question #2 A large van will “drive” and react similarly to a standard passenger vehicle. • True • False

26. Question #3 Which of the following are true? • The high center of gravity in large vans helps give the vehicle road stability. • The center of gravity in large vans is not much higher than sedans when lightly loaded.

27. Answer to Question #3 Which of the following are true? • The high center of gravity in large vans helps give the vehicle road stability. • The center of gravity in large vans is not much higher than sedans when lightly loaded Both are false

28. Question #4 If your tire blows out, you should • Keep both hands on the steering wheel • Pump the brakes hard to slow down quickly • Pull off the road gradually.

29. Answer Question #4 If your tire blows out, you should • Keep both hands on the steering wheel • Pump the brakes hard to slow down quickly • Pull off the road gradually. Braking hard can help destabilize your vehicle.

30. Question #5 It is not necessary for passengers in large vans to wear seatbelts. • True • False

31. Answer to Question #5 It is not necessary for passengers in large vans to wear seatbelts • True • False

32. Question #6 A ten (10) second following distance between the van and the vehicle in front of the van is a recommended minimum. • True • False

33. Answer to Question #6 A ten (10) second following distance between the van and the vehicle in front of the van is a recommended minimum. • True • False

34. Question #7 • When parking on an incline/decline, it is not necessary to apply the parking brake if you shift the transmission into PARK. • True • False

35. Answer to Question #7 • When parking on an incline/decline, it is not necessary to apply the parking brake if you shift the transmission into PARK. • True • False

36. Question #8 Vehicle momentum can increase the chance of rolling a large passenger or cargo van when cornering. • True • False

37. Answer to Question #8 Vehicle momentum can increase the chance of rolling a large passenger or cargo van when cornering. • True • False

38. Question #9 When traveling down a long, steep downhill stretch, you should: • Down-shift • Hold your foot on the brake • Not use the brakes • A and B

39. Answer to Question #9 When traveling down a long, steep downhill stretch, you should: • Down-shift • Hold your foot on the brake • Not use the brakes • A and B

40. Question #10 You are driving when your cell phone rings. You should: • Answer the call • Have someone else answer • Ignore the call • B or C

41. Answer to Question #10 You are driving when your cell phone rings. You should: • Answer the call • Have someone else answer • Ignore the call • B or C

42. Question #11 Many large van accidents are caused by “overcorrecting”. • True • False

43. Answer to Question #11 Many large van accidents are caused by “overcorrecting”. • True • False

44. Question #12 When backing a van into a parking space, you should: • Back toward the driver’s side • Use spotters • Avoid situations where you need to back • All of the above

45. Answer to Question #12 When backing a van into a parking space, you should: • Back toward the driver’s side • Use spotters • Avoid situations where you need to back • All of the above

46. Question #13 When loading and unloading passengers, you should: • Turn on your headlights • Park the van out of traffic or the traveled lane • Leave the motor running while you assist passengers

47. Answer to Question #13 When loading and unloading passengers, you should: • Turn on your headlights • Park the van out of traffic or the traveled lane • Leave the motor running while you assist passengers

48. Flipped Dump Truck • AAA is not going to believe this one • And you thought YOU had a bad day? • And they said it couldn't be done! • Apparently UPS didn't see the "this side up" sticker when they delivered it. • Archeologists unearth the real way Egyptians hauled blocks for the pyramids • Belly up! • Check your speed before the corners

49. More Dump Truck Trivia • I knew there was a reason they posted that "5 MPH" speed limit sign. • Isn't there an easier way to change the tires? • Now we can get at those pesky hard-to-reach grease fittings. • Oil changes got a lot easier for this crew once they realized the oil pan had a drain plug. • OK, team, remember to lift with your knees! • OK, lets get our story straight before the boss gets back