A deadly October 3 crash that killed four members of a Georgia church group has raised serious concerns about the safety of 15-passenger vans. The crash occurred on U.S. Highway 27 when the tire blew out on a van carrying 17 members of the Tabernacle of Prayer and Deliverance church of Columbus to a revival meeting in Quincy, Florida. The driver lost control of the van which crossed the median and rolled several times before landing in a ditch. Four passengers, including the church's pastor, were killed, and 13 others were injured in the crash. None of the passengers were wearing seat belts.
According to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) data, 15-passenger vans are more likely than other passenger vehicles to roll over at high speeds. In fact, they are 50% more likely to be involved in a rollover crash when fully loaded than when empty. The NHTSA offers the following safety tips regarding 15-passenger vans:
- All occupants should wear their safety belts at all times while the vehicle is in motion.
- Operators should make an inspection of the tires and check tire pressure before each use.
- Drivers should be trained, experienced drivers who operate 15-passenger vehicles on a regular basis.
- Drivers should be well rested and refrain from using cell phones, having conversations with other passengers, and engaging in other distracting activities while operating the vehicle.
- Drivers should limit the time they are behind the wheel to eight hours in a 24-hour period.
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