Automotive Fleet
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

NHTSA Reissues 15-Passenger Van Safety Caution

WASHINGTON - As the fall and winter driving seasons get under way, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is urging users of 15-passenger vans to take specific steps to keep occupants safe. Two recent fatal crashes, in New York and Georgia, involving 15-passenger vans that rolled over and resulted in 10 deaths give urgency to this reminder.

by Staff
October 20, 2010
2 min to read


WASHINGTON - As the fall and winter driving seasons get under way, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is urging users of 15-passenger vans to take specific steps to keep occupants safe. Two recent fatal crashes, in New York and Georgia, involving 15-passenger vans that rolled over and resulted in 10 deaths give urgency to this reminder.

The agency warns that tire maintenance is paramount to preventing tragedies, such as these recent rollover crashes, from occurring. Users of 15-passenger vans need to make sure the vehicles have appropriately sized tires that are properly inflated before every trip. The agency also reminds owners that tires degrade over time. For this reason, NHTSA recommends that spare tires not be used as replacements for worn tires. In fact, many tire manufacturers recommend that tires older than 10 years not be used at all.

Ad Loading...

In particular, NHTSA said it is directing this advisory to church groups, other non-profit organizations and colleges that may be keeping older 15-passenger vans in service longer than usual because of tight transportation budgets. Pre-primary, primary and secondary schools should not use 15-passenger vans for transporting school children, since they don't provide the same level of safety as school buses, NHTSA said. It is also against federal law for schools to buy new 15-passenger vans for school transportation purposes.

Here are some safety tips for 15-passenger vans:

  • Make sure the vehicle is properly maintained.

  • Make sure drivers are fully trained and experienced in operating a 15-passenger van and are properly licensed.

  • Never overload under any circumstances. Agency research shows overloading not only increases rollover risk but makes the vehicle more unstable in any handling maneuvers.

  • Make sure that properly sized tires are being used.

  • Before every trip, drivers should check the tires for proper inflation and make sure there are no signs of wear. Correct tire size and inflation pressure information can be found in the owner's manual.

  • Make sure all passengers buckle up for every trip. 

More Safety

A blue and red Automotive Fleet graphic calling for nominations for the fleet safety award.
Safetyby Faith HowellJune 4, 2026

Nominations Open for 2026 Fleet Safety Award

Nominations have officially opened for the 2026 Fleet Safety Award Winner.

Read More →
wheel geotab image
SponsoredJune 1, 2026

Turning Connected Vehicle Data Into Decisions That Matter

Fleet leaders have more data than ever, but turning that data into clear, actionable decisions remains a challenge. This white paper shows how leading organizations are using connected vehicle data to improve safety, reduce costs, and optimize fleet performance. Learn how to turn insight into action across your fleet.

Read More →
A person holding a clipboard and writing on an inspection checklist beside the wheel of a large white vehicle, likely conducting a fleet or safety inspection.
SponsoredJune 1, 2026

Cameras, Safety and Insurance: From Reactive Claims to Real-time Prevention

Commercial auto remains one of the most challenging and costly lines of coverage for fleet operators and insurers alike. Learn more about how to effectively address these issues from Onur Aksan, Enterprise Business Development Executive, Geotab.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
A Fleet Forward Conference graphic representing the safety symposium.
Safetyby Chris BrownMay 29, 2026

NAFA Fleet Safety Symposium to Collocate With 2026 Fleet Forward Conference

The daylong certificate program will precede the Fleet Forward Conference at the Gaylord National Harbor in Maryland.

Read More →
A person with hands on the steering wheel driving
Safetyby Judie NuskeyMay 15, 2026

The Distractions You Can’t Turn Off: What Drivers Face Outside the Vehicle

Fleet drivers face constant visual, cognitive, and environmental interruptions the moment they hit the road. From roadside chaos to mental fatigue and digital overload, today’s biggest driving risks often come from outside the vehicle itself.

Read More →
Hail covers the windshield and hood of a black vehicle with text overlay about FLASH Weather AI’s new hail prediction model.
Safetyby News/Media ReleaseMay 13, 2026

FLASH Weather AI Launches First Deep-Learning Hail Prediction Model With High-Resolution Forecasting

FLASH Weather AI has launched a first-of-its-kind hail prediction model capable of forecasting hail size and arrival time at 1-kilometer resolution up to 55 minutes ahead, giving fleets and insurers critical time to prepare for severe storms.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Coca-Cola fleet executive smiling beside graphic text reading “Rolling Dollar Signs” about the company’s trucking and fleet strategy.
Safetyby Chris BrownMay 12, 2026

How Coca-Cola United Protects Its Fleet from Growing Legal Risk

As litigation risk rises, vehicles are increasingly targeted. This Coca-Cola bottler shares how it’s reducing exposure through driver training, technology, and a proactive risk management approach.

Read More →
Two trucking industry workers talk in front of semi-trucks beside text reading, “The issue isn’t lack of safety technology — it’s lack of alignment.”
SafetyMay 12, 2026

How to Speak the Same Language on Fleet Safety

Drivers, supervisors, and data often speak different safety “languages.” Getting on the same page will drive better results.

Read More →
pictures of a lock with the words Cybersecurity 101
Safetyby Jeanny RoaMay 11, 2026

Fleet Cybersecurity 101: What You Need from Your Technology Vendors

From identity management to third-party certifications, the right technology partner should make security easier to manage. Here are the three building blocks that fleet managers need to stay in control as connected systems scale.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Chris Brown sits across from safety experft at Lifesaver mobile in an interview about distracted driving and phone use tech.
Safetyby Chris BrownMay 1, 2026

Reducing Risk by Eliminating Phone Use Behind the Wheel

Distracted driving remains one of the most persistent risks in fleet operations. New approaches focus on removing mobile device use entirely while adding real-time safety support.

Read More →