Carpenter Bus Sales President Offers 15-Passenger Van Safety Tips to Spring and Summer Travelers

Franklin, TN, April 03, 2014 --(PR.com)-- Spring is here, and that means summer is just around the corner. Youth organizations, church groups and summer camps are planning out their field trips one detail at a time and possibly considering taking 15-passenger vans to reach their destinations. But The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has warned that the risk of rollover crashes for these types of vehicles are high -- and often, they can be fatal.

That's why Henry Headden, President of Carpenter Bus Sales, has offered a series of tips for both drivers and riders about how to stay safe when operating a 15-passenger van.

Using data collected over a span of four years, the NHTSA was able to conclude that the more people that pack into these 15-passenger vans, the higher the risk that they'll experience some kind of rollover accident. In fact, a 15-passenger van loaded up with 10 or more riders is three times more likely to roll over than one carrying five people or fewer.

Headden says checking the specifics of the van before setting forth can save lives, especially when it comes to the number of people the driver is trying to pack in. "If a church or organization must drive a 15-passenger van, then they should take caution to not overload the van and be sure to follow all posted traffic signs," he says. "Make sure the brake system and the steering system are properly maintained as well."

Failure to take important safety precautions could ultimately prove to be disastrous, Headden says: "When buses and vans are not properly maintained, there is a much greater risk for wrecks to occur. Improperly maintained tires and mirrors can cause accidents on the road that could have been otherwise avoided."

In addition to pre-trip inspections that each driver should perform before they ever leave the parking lot, a thorough annual inspection is critical. Headden believes the value of an annual inspection is worth the investment: "By taking your vehicle to a qualified mechanic for a thorough annual inspection, you increase your chances of finding any major mechanical issues that could lead to possible accidents."

Carpenter Bus Sales is located at 132 Royal Oaks Blvd. in Franklin, TN. For more information on the types of vehicles they sell, you can visit the company online at www.carpenterbus.com/buses-for-sale or call toll free 800-370-6180.