Full-Size Van Safety

They might seem like the same thing, but full-size vans and minivans are very different in terms of their construction and characteristics. All of the vans addressed in the minivan safety story are unibody, or car-based, vehicles with front- or all-wheel drive. Full-size vans are body-on-frame, or truck-based, vehicles with rear- or all-wheel drive, similar to the early generation of sport utility vehicles.

Along with this similarity in construction comes the high center of gravity that makes vehicles more prone to rollover. There are currently three vans, comprising four models, from Dodge, Ford and General Motors. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, our preferred source, doesn't crash test full-size vans, which leaves us with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's full-frontal tests, in which five stars is the best score.

As shown, the GM models rate higher. It's also significant that, of the three manufacturers, Dodge and GM include electronic stability systems as standard equipment on Sprinter 2500 and G3500 passenger vans, respectively. This feature has proven effective in preventing some of the conditions that lead to single-vehicle rollovers.

The Chevrolet Express 3500 passenger van comes standard with GM's StabiliTrak electronic stability system.

Full-size vans that hold 15 occupants have proven particularly susceptible to rollover. The occupants raise the vehicle's center of gravity, and those sitting behind the rear axle make it less stable in an evasive maneuver. Federal law prohibits the sale of 15-occupant vans for the school-related transport of high-school-age and younger students, though college students and other passengers are not restricted. (The rest of the information on this page is courtesy of NHTSA.)

NHTSA has found that more than 90 percent of rollovers occur after a driver has lost control of the vehicle and has run off the road. Three major situations can lead to a single-vehicle rollover in a 15-occupant van:

The van goes off a rural road: If this occurs, the van is likely to overturn when it strikes a ditch or embankment or when it is tripped by an object or runs onto soft soil.

The driver is fatigued or driving too fast for conditions: A tired driver can doze off and lose control. The driver can also lose control when traveling at a high speed causing the van to slide sideways off the road. The grassy or dirt medians that line highways can often cause the van to overturn when the tires dig into the dirt.

The driver overcorrects the steering as a panic reaction to an emergency or to a wheel dropping off the pavement. Especially at highway speeds, this situation can cause the driver to lose control, resulting in the van sliding sideways and rolling over.

Tips to Protect Occupants

Use seat belts: Over the past decade, 80 percent of people killed in rollover crashes in 15-occupant vans were unbelted and usually were thrown from the vehicle.

Distribute weight wisely: When a 15-occupant van isn't full, passengers should sit in seats in front of the rear axle.

Don't overload: More than 15 people should never be allowed to ride in a 15-occupant van. Don't carry cargo on the roof, as it further raises the center of gravity.

Use an experienced driver: Fifteen-occupant vans drive differently than other passenger vehicles. An organization that owns such a van should select one or two experienced operators to drive the van on a regular basis.

Tips for Drivers

• Never drive while under the influence of alcohol or other drugs or when drowsy or inattentive.
• Always slow down if the roads are wet or icy.
• Drive cautiously on rural roads, maintaining a safe speed.
• Know what to do if your wheels drop off the roadway — gradually reduce speed and steer back onto the roadway when it is safe to do so.
• Properly maintain your tires, ensuring proper inflation and healthy treads. Check tire pressure and treadwear at least once a month.
• Avoid abrupt steering maneuvers.
• Allow more time and distance for braking.
• Use your side mirrors liberally, especially when changing lanes.