The latter include Ford's MyFord Touch infotainment system, a rearview camera and lane-keeping alert. The driver and passengers can enjoy an airy, open cockpit with excellent sight lines, supportive seats and even some of the latest technology options. With the high-roof body, those more than 6 feet tall can stand upright.Īlso improved is the driving experience. This more space-efficient design also results in a reduction in weight (which helps to boost fuel economy as well as towing and gross vehicle weight ratings). The new Transit Wagon's undercarriage disposes of the heavy and space-robbing ladder frame of traditional commercial vans in favor of a carlike unibody design. There are three engine choices as well, all of which promise to greatly improve fuel efficiency. Ford offers it in two wheelbases, three roof heights and with three different body lengths. In just about every area that commercial van buyers find important, the Transit is an upgrade. Not to be confused with Ford's smaller Transit Connect, the new Transit supplants Ford's long-running E-Series full-size van. The newest example of this trend is the all-new 2015 Ford Transit Wagon. (Reference to the Ford Transit should only be seen as an example, not an endorsement.There's a revolution underway in the commercial-van market, as a new generation of more maneuverable, more economical models replace longstanding van lines that were based on pickup truck platforms. *Traditional 12- and 15- passenger vans refers to those referenced in these studies and does not include newer redesigned vehicles, such as the Ford Transit, which were reimagined. If you have other questions specific to traditional* 12- and 15-passenger vans, contact the MU EHS Safety Professional. MU EHS offers classroom-based courses on general defensive driving on request.įor safety reasons, the purchase of new traditional* 12- and 15-passenger vans is prohibited. MU EHS requires all drivers of traditional* 12- and 15-passenger vans attend training specific to driving vans. Front passengers should remain awake to help keep the driver alert during all shifts. Driving through the night is not permitted.The maximum driving day with three drivers should not exceed 18 hours. We recommend a maximum driving shift of two hours, with no driver taking more than three shifts. For long distance trips, drivers should rotate every two hours.Luggage and gear should be stored in the vehicle (with a limit of ten passengers, there will be more storage area, however the rear window should not be blocked by luggage). There should be no roof racks or trailer hitches on the vehicles.All drivers should be a University of Missouri employee or recognized volunteer. No driver younger than 21 should be allowed to drive.In most of the van accidents reported, speed was a contributing factor. Limit Speed to 65 MPH (slower during various conditions).Use properly sized tires and check for proper inflation before each trip.The NHTSA indicates that you can reduce your chance of being killed in a rollover by about 75% just by wearing a seat belt. Vehicle operators should assure that all their passengers are wearing their seat belts.The NHSTA report noted that vans with more than 10 people had a higher rollover rate. The back seat must be removed to facilitate this requirement. Passenger Van Safety limts capacity of 10 people.In light of the above, the UM Risk and Insurance Management office note that departmental policies on traditional style 12- and 15-passenger vans should be reviewed and include the following requirements: Similar hazards appear to be present for 12-passenger vans. There was also a feature presentation by 60 Minutes II bringing this issue to the public. NHTSA made this information available because of these findings and because of several highly publicized rollover accidents involving 15-passenger vans loaded with college students (often driven by a fellow student rather than a professional driver). According to the NHTSA, “vans with ten or more occupants have three (3) times the rollover ratio than those with fewer than ten occupants.” The report goes on to state “the decrease in stability under fully loaded conditions correlates to an increase in the rollover risk of approximately 40 percent.” NHTSA said in its notice of caution that it is important that 15-passenger vans be operated by experienced drivers and that institutions using the vans require seat belt use at all times. In 2001, 2002, 2004 and again in 2010, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) issued a cautionary warning for 15-passenger vans and their propensity to rollover.
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