Since the inception of the 15-passenger van, the propensity of the vehicle to rollover has been recognized. Studies conducted by The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) have shown that the risk of rollover increases significantly when the van is loaded with passengers.

NHTSA showed that 15-passenger vans with more than nine passengers are three times more likely to rollover then vans with less than five passengers.

Why 15-passenger vans rollover

The propensity of the 15-passenger van to rollover is cause by the design of the van. They tend to be unstable due to a high center of gravity. When the van is loaded with passengers, the center of gravity is raised even higher, while shifting towards the rear of the van.

The high center of gravity leaves the 15-passenger van vulnerable to rollover when the driver takes emergency evasive maneuvers when trying to avoid an obstacle, resulting in a number of single-vehicle accidents. Rollover can also occur during a sudden tire-blow out.

Why 15-passenger van rollovers can be extremely dangerous

15-passenger van rollovers tend to be lethal due to the lack of a number of safety features, such as a strong roof support system and laminated windows. A stronger roof support system, such as a rollbar, would help in preventing roof collapse, a significant cause of fatal injury in 15-passenger van rollovers.

Additionally, 15-passenger vans routinely lack common safety equipment found in many passenger vehicles. Unlike many SUVs and passenger cars, 15-passenger vans lack curtain airbags, seatbelt pretentioners, electronic stability control (ESC), and rollover sensors.

Multiple warnings have been given by the NHTSA regarding the safety hazards associated with 15-passenger vans. The design flaws of 15-passenger vans have shown to be associated with fatal and significant injuries. These defects in design mean that the vans are not crashworthy vehicles.

15-passenger vans are:

• Prone to loss of control and rollover
• Unstable when loaded with passengers and/or cargo
• Not crashworthy

If you or a family member has been seriously injured or killed in a 15-passenger van rollover due to manufacture and/or design defects, contact us now for a free consultation. Our attorneys have extensive experience with the law associated with 15-passenger van Rollover Accidents.