Vans are involved in collisions at a higher rate than
passenger sedans. You should think about the reasons why, especially if
you drive a van infrequently and are less experienced in their characteristics.
The most common van mishaps stem from backing unsafely, stopping, and
rollovers. Wonder why?
Backing: Statistically, backing
is an unusually risky maneuver in vans. This is because of the visibility
limitations (high, or no windows causing large blind spots and the need
for backing solely using side mirrors in some cases). Plan ahead so you
don't have to back up -- if you don't back, then you cannot have a backing
collision! Park so you can pull forward when leaving. If you can't, then
do the backing when you arrive. That way, you are backing into a parking
space you can plainly see is clear, rather than backing out into traffic
later. Beware of blind areas, which are significantly larger than those
of a passenger sedan. Use an outside spotter, or stop and get out of the
vehicle to check your clearances. You should also do a walk-around inspection
before backing -- other vehicles can be hidden by your van's blind spots.
Make sure your mirrors are adjusted and clean. Don't back further than
necessary and don't back where you cannot see.
Stopping: Don't follow other vehicles too closely
when driving vans and other high profile vehicles. Remember the standard
two-second following distance rule? Well, that's
a minimum for perfect conditions and normal-sized vehicles. In a van,
you should use a greater distance routinely, at least 3 or 4 seconds.
Vans are often built on passenger car chasses, and many do not have the
heavy-duty brakes and suspensions that a truck should have. This increases
the distances needed for stopping and indicates the need for greater following
distances. The more weight you have, the longer it takes to stop, same
thing for speed. Combine the two and you have a potentially deadly situation,
all while you sit in blissful, air-conditioned and distracted comfort!
Reduce your following risk -- back off and slow down!
Rollovers: Vans and SUV's are often unstable driving
platforms. With higher centers of gravity, the ability to carry more weight,
and the added the energy developed by weight and speed, it is EASY to
cause a rollover simply by introducing a sudden (even relatively minor)
outside force, and especially when a turning movement introduces centrifugal
force into the mix. Crosswinds, passing trucks, busses, even dust-devils
or whirlwinds, acting on a high profile vehicle like a van, can introduce
the sudden triggering force needed to initiate a rollover.
The weight of a fully loaded, full-size van can easily
exceed 11,000 lbs. Even at slightly over 50 mph, this equals 3.2 million
foot-pounds of force that will be expended in any collision. You need
to make sure you, your passengers, and the occupants of the vehicles around
you are not the ones that absorb these forces. When driving a van, reduce
your risks. Make sure tires are inflated properly
and in good shape. Make no sudden turns. Adjust the driver's seat and
wear seat belts, make sure mirrors are adjusted
properly. Control your passengers. Do not overload the van; know the limits
and don't exceed them. Keep weight loaded low in the vehicle. Use two
hands on van steering wheels. Keep speeds lower
and slow down before reaching curves. Check road and weather conditions.
Expect wind gusts anywhere, anytime.
Drive friendly!
<Rule
38: Don't Prevent Others from Passing
Rule 40: Practice Safe Bicycling>
