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Why 12 and 15 Passenger Vans are Unsafe

By: Darin Lawson Hosking Click author's name for more of his/her articles

Driving 15-passenger vans take much more training than a shuttle bus. According to the National Transportation Safety Board, on July 15th, they determined that 15-passenger vans are unstable when loaded with 10 or more people.

It is recommended by the NTSB that drivers of 15-passenger vans require more training and testing. The fact is, these vans handle different than cars and require a higher skill level.

The reason why this has become an issue is because of the passenger vans latest track records. In 2001, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration found that these vans, with 10 or more passengers, are three times as likely to roll than a van with less than 10 passengers.

One report in 2002, released by the NTSB proved that 52% of 15-passenger vans involved in single-vehicle, fatal accidents from 1991-2000 rolled over. Under the same conditions, cars rolled over only 33 percent of the time.

This data has prompted many churches to switch from passenger vans to shuttle buses and has even led many bus companies that specialize in 15-passenger vans sales toward churches to halt their sales and sell safer vehicles.

One such company in Tennessee, who once provided many churches with 15-passenger vans, has been phasing them out for years. Instead of selling them as passenger vans, the seats have been taken out and they were sold as delivery or cargo vans. This company now sells commercial buses, which most often require CDL licenses. Buses are far less likely to roll compared to 15-passenger vans.

These vans were never really designed to be passenger vans. Their original purpose was for cargo as a cheaper alternative. People are not cargo and deserve safer transportation.

The commercial bus is the safer, more comfortable alternative to the 15-passenger van. Passengers enter the bus and walk down an aisle instead of finagle their way into a passenger van. Passengers can even have the options of reading lights and overhead storage which provide more room for luggage and leave passengers in good thought rather than cramped thoughts and safety concerns.

A new commercial bus that seats 15, will range from $40,000-$60,000. CR Buses provides new and used buses that range in prices much lower than the national average. Our buses are available in gas and diesel, which gives buyers more options. 15-Passenger vans are available with gas engines.

By purchasing one good used shuttle bus you can replace two 15 passenger vans and provide a much safer ride for your passengers.

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About The Author: CR Buses provide affordable used bus and new buses from several manufacturer's So drop by htt://www.crbuses.com to find one for your church, or other civic group