NTSB Finds 15-Passenger Vans are Involved in a Higher Rate of Single-Vehicle Accident Rollovers

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 26, 2002
SB-02-38

Washington D.C. - A safety report released by the National Transportation Safety Board finds that 15-passenger vans are involved in a higher rate of single-vehicle accidents involving a rollover than other passenger vehicles. The report details the Board's findings from an analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Fatal Analysis Reporting System (FARS) on 15- passenger vans.

The report notes that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's (NHTSA) current rulemaking and testing concerning vehicle rollovers do not include 15-passenger vans. As a result of its examination, the Board recommended that NHTSA include the vans in its dynamic testing program as well as in its New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) rollover resistance program. Manufacturers of 15-passenger vans also received a recommendation asking that they work with NHTSA to test technologies, such as electronic stability control, which may help van drivers maintain control of the vehicle.

A complete copy of the report and the recommendations are available on the Board's website, www.ntsb.gov. Printed copies of the report may be purchased from the National Technical Information Service (NTIS) 800-553-NTIS.

Media Contact:
Lauren Peduzzi
202-314-6100