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Van Safety Policy (12-15 Passenger)

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has found that the improper use and loading of fifteen-passenger vans create a significant risk of a rollover crash. The NHTSA has also found that twelve-passenger vans are similar to fifteen-passenger vans in terms of design, handling characteristics and safety problems. these requirements also apply to twelve-passenger vans unless expressly excluded below. The University has adopted the following minimum safety requirements for the use of twelve-fifteen passenger vans on University business.

I. Guidelines

• On or after January 1, 2005, only individuals with (a) a Class B California Driver's License with (b) an endorsement for operating a passenger transportation vehicle may transport University students, employees, guests or volunteers in a fifteen-passenger van. This requirement does not apply to twelve-passenger vans.
• The driver and all passengers must wear a seat belt.
• No more than seven passengers and the driver may ride in a van driven on University business by a University employee or volunteer.
• The two back rows from any fifteen-passenger University van, and the back row of seats from any twelve-passenger University van, must be removed when driven on University business by a University employee or volunteer.
• Roof racks on University vans may only be used when driven on campus.
• Prior to driving a van on University business, University employee and volunteers must complete a defensive driver course and a van safety-driving course approved by University Police. This training must be completed once every four years.
• University employees and approved volunteers 18 or older are eligible to drive vans on University business. (Individuals under 25 may drive a van on University business only with the prior written approval of University Police).
• Vans may be purchased or received as a donation only with the prior written approval of the Director of University Risk Management.

II. Authority

California Public Contracts Code Section 10326.1; State Management Memo 04-13.

III. Scope

These guidelines apply to all University employees and volunteers who drive twelve-fifteen passenger vans on University business.

IV. Definitions

• A "fifteen-passenger van" is defined as any vehicle, regardless of whether seats have been removed, sold as fifteen-passenger or comparable van, the Chevrolet Express 3500, GMC Savana G3500 and Rally/Vandura G3500, Dodge Ram Van/Wagon B3500 and Ram Wagon B350, Ford Econoline E350 and Club Wagon E350.
• A "Class B Driver's License" requires an application to the DMV, a written exam, a medical exam and a driving test.

V. Implementation

• Drivers must reduce van speeds BELOW the posted speed limits for all turns and avoid sudden steering motions. Reducing speed and sudden jerky motions are necessary because vans are more likely to rollover because the passenger weight raises the vehicle's center of gravity and causes it to shift rearward.
• Drivers should adjust mirrors so the sides of the van may be seen. Making this adjustment is necessary because vans have larger blind spots than passenger cars.
• Drivers must allow more time and distance when pulling into traffic or attempting to stop because vans are heavier than passenger cars.
• When exiting a tunnel or being passed by a large truck, drivers should grip the steering wheel firmly and be prepared for the van to be pushed by the wind. This action occurs because vans are taller and longer than passenger cars.
• Drivers should check the van's tires for wear and proper inflation. Vans with worn and improperly inflated tires are more likely to rollover.
• Drivers should be aware that towing a fully loaded trailer will adversely affect the time and distance required to pull into traffic or stop the van, and may alter the van's normal handling characteristics. Trailers may be towed provided that the towing capacity and the trailer tongue-weight (hitch weight) under loaded conditions meet the manufacturer's recommendations. Maximum towing capacity includes the weight of both the empty trailer and the trailer cargo.
• Drivers must file a travel itinerary and a passenger list with the responsible department and keep copies in the van. Passenger lists should include the names and emergency contact telephone numbers for all passengers and the driver. For more information on planning for a field trip, please see the Field Trip Guidelines.
• Drivers should also review the safety guidelines at the following link: http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/problems/studies/15PassVans/index.htm.

VI. Accountability

Individuals who violate these guidelines are subject to appropriate disciplinary action pursuant to the applicable collective bargaining agreement and/or administrative policies or procedures. Contacts for questions are the Director of Environmental Health and Instructional Safety and the Director of University Risk Management.

Revised: 8/20/2008 BB

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