How (un)safe are big vans?

Athena · Sep 23, 2014

I have the impression the big vans they use as "school buses" are not very safe, but I'm not having luck searching for more info. Can anyone help?

katymyers · Sep 23, 2014

Like 15 passenger vans? Generally no, those aren't spectacularly safe. I wouldn't be overly concerned if I was putting kids in car seats in one but given the glaring lack of headrests and three point seat belts, they tend to be pretty risky for older passengers. There are a few exceptions, like the Nissan NV, but those are pretty uncommon and I doubt that's what you would be dealing with.

Athena · Sep 23, 2014

I don't know the number of passengers. It's a "school bus" van. I've seen them, but they just look like big vans to me. I've been told they have seat belts, but that's it. I was told she could use a booster, but I don't know if the belt is 3pt or if it will be compatible. I'm also concerned about van safety in general, rollover risk and all. The more I think about it I think it's too big of a hassle and we'll decline to go.

cantabdad · Sep 24, 2014

I think you are right to be wary because of the safety record of 15-passenger vans. At the same time, some of the key factors that contribute to their safety issues are less relevant in a school transportation context.

In particular, overloading should be less of an issue since kids weigh significantly less than adults, and driver inexperience should be less of a factor since (at least in theory) the van will have a trained, professional driver. The school transportation department should also be on top of maintenance, tire pressure, etc.

The other thing to note is that NHTSA requires any new passenger van (seating 11+) that is sold or leased for school transportation to meet stricter federal standards for school buses.
http://www.nhtsa.gov/people/injury/buses/pub/noncom.hmp.html

Another thing NHTSA notes is that something like 88% of fatalities in 15-passenger vans are un-belted, which is higher than average -- I am guessing because these vehicles are often used for airport shuttles and the like, where people often forget to buckle up. I would take a close look at the seatbelts on the vehicle and see whether a carseat/booster could be installed.

Keeanh · Sep 24, 2014

Find out what vehicle it is exactly. I'm guessing it's a newer model Ford or GM/Chev 15p. If so, it won't have headrests, but will have electronic stability control and lap-shoulder belts. I drive one, so obviously I'm okay with them

I wouldn't worry one bit about a trained driver doing a school route.

DogznKatz · Sep 24, 2014

Here is another checklist from the NTSB:

https://www.ntsb.gov/doclib/safetyalerts/SA_001.pdf

Proper loading is critical, as is driver training.

Athena · Sep 24, 2014

Thanks for the responses!

Keeanh said:
Find out what vehicle it is exactly. I'm guessing it's a newer model Ford or GM/Chev 15p. If so, it won't have headrests, but will have electronic stability control and lap-shoulder belts. I drive one, so obviously I'm okay with them I wouldn't worry one bit about a trained driver doing a school route.

I'll have to find out who to ask for the type. It might not even be a 15 passenger, but it looks big to me. I caught a quick look today at the van I think it is and the thing that struck me is that it's very tall, like it has this extra tall roof thing. Is that normal?

Jocey'sMommy · Sep 25, 2014

sounds like the new dodge/Mercedes vans. they are very tall looking

Athena · Sep 25, 2014

Jocey'sMommy said:
sounds like the new dodge/Mercedes vans. they are very tall looking

Do they look like they have this large topper put on it? Or, just occurred to me, is it because these are also used for special needs students and may need extra electrical for a lift? Is that what's in that big section on top? Sorry, I'm realizing how little I know on this topic, but I do like learning new things.

DogznKatz · Sep 25, 2014

http://www.iihs.org/iihs/topics/t/rollover-crashes/topicoverview

Here is some material from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

My guess is that the better vans will have electronic stability control, but the height and width still make rollover an issue. I think the Sprinters are better than most, but as I mentioned before, driver training and understanding how to load passengers (weight distribution) are very important. I am sure there are differences in the year of the vehicle as well.

Athena · Sep 26, 2014

DogznKatz said:
http://www.iihs.org/iihs/topics/t/rollover-crashes/topicoverview

Here is some material from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

My guess is that the better vans will have electronic stability control, but the height and width still make rollover an issue. I think the Sprinters are better than most, but as I mentioned before, driver training and understanding how to load passengers (weight distribution) are very important. I am sure there are differences in the year of the vehicle as well.

Thanks! I'll check that out.

How (un)safe are big vans?

Athena

Well-known member

katymyers

Active member

Athena

Well-known member

cantabdad

New member

Keeanh

Well-known member

DogznKatz

Active member

Athena

Well-known member

Jocey'sMommy

New member

Athena

Well-known member

DogznKatz

Active member

Athena

Well-known member

Car-Seat.Org Facebook Group

Sponsors

Forum statistics