In a rollover crash, an unbelted person is significantly more likely
to die than a person wearing a safety belt.
Your vehicle has larger tires and increased ground clearance, giving the
vehicle a higher center of gravity than a passenger car.
Vehicles with a higher center of gravity such as utility and
four-wheel drive vehicles handle differently than vehicles with a
lower center of gravity. Utility and four-wheel drive vehicles arenot
designed for cornering at speeds as high as passenger cars any more than
low-slung sports cars are designed to perform satisfactorily under off-road
conditions. Avoid sharp turns, excessive speed and abrupt maneuvers in
these vehicles. Failure to drive cautiously could result in an increased risk
of loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover, personal injury and death.
Loaded vehicles, with a higher center of gravity, may handle
differently than unloaded vehicles. Extra precautions, such as
slower speeds and increased stopping distance, should be taken when
driving a heavily loaded vehicle.
VEHICLE STABILITY AND HANDLING
The risk of a rollover crash increases as the number of people and load in
the vehicle increase. This increased risk occurs because the passenger
weight and load raises the vehicle’s center of gravity and causes it to shift
rearward. As a result, the van has less resistance to rollover and handles
differently from other commonly driven passenger vehicles, making it more
difficult to control in an emergency situation. Placing any load on the roof
also raises the center of gravity and increases the potential for rollover.
The van should be operated by an experienced driver. An organization that
owns a 15–passenger van should select one or two experienced drivers to
drive the van on a regular basis. These drivers will gain valuable experience
handling the van. This experience will help make each trip safer.
The van should be operated at a safe speed which, in some conditions,
may be less than the posted speed limit.
Further, all occupants should be properly restrained. Most people killed
in rollover crashes were unbelted. Occupants can dramatically reduce
their risk of being killed or seriously injured in a rollover crash by simply
using their seat belts. Organizations that own 15–passenger vans should
have a written seat belt use policy. Drivers should be responsible for
enforcing the policy.
2004 Econoline(eco)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Driving
114
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