Concerns regarding the safety of large (12-15) passenger vans have received considerable attention in recent years.Since 2001, the United States National Highway Traffic Safety Association has issued several consumer advisories that caution of the increased rollover risk of large passenger vans, especially when fully loaded. While Transport Canada has not issued a similar formal warning, the Transport Canada website includes a fact sheet about 12 and 15 passenger vans. This fact sheet provides helpful information, cautionary notes and links to other resources.
Cross Country Canada recognizes that such vans are popular modes of transport for groups of people including sports teams. Cross Country Canada encourages all members who are using or may be using 12 and 15 passenger vans to educate themselves about particular risks associated with these vehicles and how to minimize them. The links below may be useful starting points.
TC website:
http://www.tc.gc.ca
TC fact sheet about 12 and 15 passenger vans:
http://www.tc.gc.ca/eng/roadsafety/tp-tp2436-rs200808-menu-202.htm
NHTSA website:
http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/
NHTSA safety advisory on 15 passenger vans