September 18, 2010, 5:47 pm Six Killed in Crash on New York State Thruway

<address class="byline author vcard">By AL BAKER</address>

I occasionally drive fully-loaded passenger vans, and I also fly airplanes. I approach the task of driving a passenger van with as much seriousness as I do flying an airplane.
For the benefit of other part-time van drivers, please allow me to share a few insights.
Firstly, it is advisable for anyone who drives these vans, even as a volunteer, to obtain and study the state CDL manual, get some instruction from a CDL instructor, and obtain a CDL-C license with a P endorsement. Not that having the license magically makes one safer, but the knowledge acquired in the process will almost certainly make you a safer driver.
Secondly, understand that these vans actually are a lot like airplanes in some regards, most notably in terms of weight and balance. Just because a van has 15 seats doesn’t mean that it can safely carry 15 adults, plus their baggage and other paraphernalia. Such a load may well exceed the vehicle’s MGVW, which affects all aspects of the vehicle’s handling, as well as places excess stress on the tires.
The “balance” aspects of loading are also important. Because most of these vans use the same wheelbases as the companies’ shorter models, there’s a lot of van sticking out behind the rear wheels. Consequently, a fully-loaded van will inevitably be tail-heavy, which places enormous stress on the rear wheels and removes it from the front wheels. This increases the chance of rear blowouts and reduces the effectiveness of the front (steering) wheels. The problem is compounded by luggage in the rear.
The safest way to load these vans is, firstly, not to overload. The vehicle’s payload can be found by subtracting the vehicle’s empty weight from its MGVW. Do not exceed the MGVW — ever. Ask people how much they weigh, and add on a little per person for the lying factor. And don’t forget to count the gasoline, which weighs (on average) 6.25 pounds per gallon. If there is luggage or cargo, factor that into the payload weight, as well.
Secondly, consider the balance factors. Fat people should be in front, and skinny people in the back. The goal is to place most of the weight between the front and rear axles, and as little as possible behind the rear axle. Also, don’t put all the fat people on one side of the centerline (driver’s versus passenger side). Think balance. Fat people forward, and balanced between left and right.
Luggage should be stowed under the seats, if possible, to keep the van’s CG (center-of-gravity) low. This helps reduce the chance of rollovers. But nothing should be stowed under the driver’s seat: It could be dislodged in an abrupt maneuver and interfere with the driver’s ability to control the van. And don’t be afraid to say, “No, you can’t take two hundred pounds of luggage for a weekend trip.” You’re the driver. You’re responsible for your passengers’ lives, so it’s your decision. Think like the captain of an airplane.
In terms of actual driving, you really should get a few lessons from a qualified CDL instructor. But a few important things to remember are:
1. Perform a pre-trip inspection, checking all fluids, tire condition and inflation (don’t forget the spare), battery cables, lights, seat attachment (the seats in most of these vans are removable), first aid kit, fire extinguisher, and visibility (clean the windows and mirrors, if needed). Also consider the weather, listen to the traffic reports, and plan your trip accordingly.
2. Make sure everyone is strapped in. The size of a van gives people a false sense of security, and many will not automatically put on their seat belts. But the chances of serious injury in a passenger van accident are actually quite high, as this sad article shows. Insist that your passengers buckle up. If they give you grief about it, leave them behind.
3. Think gradual and gentle. Accelerate and stop gradually. Look far ahead, and leave plenty of room for stopping. There should never be less than four seconds — minimum — between yourself and the vehicle in front of you, and more distance is better. Periodically check by noting when the vehicle in front of you passes a stationary marker, and then count to yourself until you pass it. “One-one thousand, two-one thousand,” etc.
4. Remember that your fully-loaded van, even if within MGVW and balanced as well as possible, is still a top-heavy vehicle that is capable of a rollover at speeds well below those posted at turns and exit ramps. Stay below these speeds. Also, stay in the right lane as much as practical, if for no other reason than to prevent automobile drivers from passing you on your blind side.
5. In an emergency, keep your head, both literally and figuratively. Avoid over-controlling the vehicle. Use gentle steering and speed control (which may also include not braking) to keep the van upright and pointed in the correct general direction, while gradually losing speed (if the emergency is such that you’ll be stopping the vehicle, such as a blowout).
Again, proper driving techniques and emergency maneuvers are best learned by actual practice with a qualified CDL instructor. These lessons are not very expensive and should be taken, if at all possible, by anyone who plans to drive one of these vans. At the very minimum, however, study the state’s CDL training manual. There’s a lot of useful information in there.
-LL
<cite>— Liberty Lover</cite>

Firstly, it is advisable for anyone who drives these vans, even as a volunteer, to obtain and study the state CDL manual, get some instruction from a CDL instructor, and obtain a CDL-C license with a P endorsement. Not that having the license magically makes one safer, but the knowledge acquired in the process will almost certainly make you a safer driver.