The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recommends special safety precautions for both drivers and passengers riding in the large vans:

DRIVERS: Because these vans handle very differently than passenger cars, especially when fully loaded, they should only be operated by trained, experienced drivers. A 15-passenger van is wider and longer, so it requires more space to maneuver. The driver will require additional reliance on side mirrors for changing lanes, and additional braking distances. To operate these vehicles the driver needs a valid driver’s license, but a commercial driver’s license is recommended.

Drivers always should reduce distractions as much as possible, by limiting conversation with passengers and never using a cell phone.

SPEED: Never exceed the posted speed limit and always drive at the speed that is safest for current driving conditions. Slow down if roads are wet or icy, because these vehicles do not respond well to abrupt steering maneuvers and require additional braking time. Sudden steering changes or over corrections can cause a rollover crash.

TIRE PRESSURE: Improperly inflated or worn tires can be especially dangerous, and reduce the driver’s ability to keep control of the van, which is the most important factor in reducing the chance of rollover. Tires with low air pressure tires can increase tire wear, and worn tires may cause the vehicle to slide sideways on wet or slippery pavement, also increasing the risk of rollover. Always inspect all the tires and check their pressure before each use.

CARGO and OCCUPANCY: Usually the cargo for a 15-passenger van is people, the passengers. Never allow more than 15 people to ride in the van and if possible, limit occupants to 10 people. When the van is not full, passengers should sit in seats that are in front of the rear axle. Any other cargo should go in front of the rear axle. Never pack cargo on the roof or tow anything behind these vans, to avoid overloading them.

SEAT BELTS: This is the time when everyone needs to wear seat belts at all times. Make certain that none are missing, broken or damaged. The sad truth is, if you are unbuckled in a 15-passenger van and you’re in a single-vehicle crash, you are about 3 times more likely to be killed as someone who buckles up.

NHTSA research shows these larger vans have a greater risk of rollover for three reasons: 1) when there is an inexperienced driver, 2) the tires are the wrong size or not inflated properly, 3) the cargo (including people) are not loaded correctly changing the center of gravity.

Resources: http://www.safercar.gov/staticfiles/safercar/Passenger%20Van%20Safety/vanfansheet.pdf

• Buy a road atlas or GPS.  These will help you find your way, navigate a detour, and provide options for new routes.  A GPS can help you find restaurants or lodging, and check on traffic conditions.  Having either one of these is an essential for any road trip.
• Put together an emergency road kit. Your kit should have jumper cables, tire gauge, flashlight, basic tools like screwdriver and pliers, engine oil, coolant, and first aid kit.  If you are driving in a cold climate, include an ice scraper, blanket, and flares.  In the south, make sure you have extra water for you and your radiator. In addition, make sure you have your car registration, insurance certificate, and owner’s manual.
• Check your fluids.  Starting your trip with an oil change is a good idea.  Also check the levels of power steering fluid, engine coolant (antifreeze), windshield wiper fluid, and automatic transmission fluid.
• Equipment check. Make sure that battery cables are connected snugly and the terminals are clean, and that all engine hoses and belts fit correctly and are not cracked. Do you remember the last time you replaced your air filter?  Now would be a good time.   How about the horn, the lights, and mirrors?  All of these need to be working properly for safe driving. It’s a good idea to add a spare headlight bulb to your road kit as well.
• Tires.  Make sure the tires are inflated to the correct pressure.  Check for uneven wear and rotate or replace them if necessary.  Be sure that you have an inflated spare, a sturdy car jack, and a lug wrench, in case you need to change a tire.
• Windshield wipers should be working properly. Replace the blades if they are worn or don’t clean your windshield well.

Taking the time to get ready for your road trip is well worth it.  Whether you are fleeing the icy winter for a few months or just thawing out for a long weekend, your car should be ready to get you there.  These simple steps are easy to follow and will help avoid an auto accident.

1. Always wear a seat belt
   Everyone has probably been told this at some point. It is well known that wearing a seat belt saves lives. Morever, the law requires it. However, teens may forget or not see the need to use it. Parents should keep stressing the importance of this safety device.
2. Get a lot of supervised driving experience
   To be a better driver not only takes skill, but lots of experience too. New drivers should practice in a lot of different situations, including city streets and highways.
3. Never use your cell phone while driving
   That means no texting and no talking on your cell phone. Drivers not only risk hurting themselves by using a cell phone, but also passengers, pedestrians and occupants of other vehicles. Teens should put away their cell phones and, if a call must be answered, always find a safe place to stop and park.
4. Limit the number of passengers
   After getting your license, it is normal to want to drive around with your friends, but try to avoid this for the first couple of months. Passengers can be a distraction and new drivers may be particularly susceptible to this.
5. Get rid of further distractions like loud music
   Blasting the Billboard’s Top 100 Songs may seem cool, but it is likely to hurt your driving performance. Teens must understand that concentrating on the lyrics of a song could increase the chances  of missing a stop sign or the honk of a nearby vehicle. If you want to listen to music, keep the volume down and focus on the road, not on Lady Gaga.
6. Never drink or take drugs and drive
   This includes never getting in a car with a driver who has had a drink or taken drugs. This may seem obvious, but still some teenagers are guilty of this. Alcohol and drugs impair your mental and physical abilities, and make you much more at risk of an accident. It is much wiser to call a trusted person who is sober, than to risk driving impaired.
7. Make sure your car has gas in it
   It is easy to overlook your gas tank, but no one wants to be stranded. So always check before and during your drive.
8. Be careful driving your car into the garage and always enter straight
   Always adjust the position of the car before entering the garage, to enter it straight and never at an angle. Parents should practice this with teens before letting them do this by themselves.
9. Make sure the intersection is clear before crossing
   Never forget to check both directions before entering the intersection; another car could be coming from any direction.
10. Use turn signals
    Turn signals must be used to show that you are about to turn onto a street or to change lanes. They also allow drivers to react appropriately before you turn, so use the turn signal well ahead of time, and don’t forget to turn them back off!

“We have developed a comprehensive plan to fix the sticking pedal situation in recalled Toyota vehicles,” said Jim Lentz, President of Toyota Motor Sales, USA. “We know what’s causing the sticking accelerator pedals…We also know it is most important to fix this problem in the cars on the road.”

Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood went so far as to advise in Congressional testimony today that owners ’stop driving’ recalled Toyotas. LaHood later changed his recommendation by calling his advice a ‘misstatement’ and suggesting that ‘If you own one of these cars, take it to the dealer. If you are in doubt, take it to the dealer and have them fix it.’

However, the National Highway Safety Administration is instructing owners to pay attention to how their accelerator pedals are working. If the accelerator becomes harder to depress or slower to return than normal, it may be a precursor to a safety issue. Then, NTSA says, “These vehicles should be parked and a dealer immediately notified. Should a pedal become stuck in a partially depressed condition while driving, owners should put their car in neutral, bring it to a stop and call their dealer.” Additionally, owners should remove all floor mats in vehicles associated with the entrapment recall.

Toyota has indicated that they will ship parts to dealers and begin dealer training immediately to fix sticking pedals. Toyota promises customers that dealers will be open extended hours to handle the repairs. Owners of recalled vehicles can expect notifications explaining how to contact dealers for servicing. Toyota and Pontiac vehicles included in the recalls are 2009-2010 RAV4, 2009-2010 Corolla, 2009-2010 Matrix, 2005-2010 Avalon, 2007-2010 Camry, 2010 Highlander, 2007-2010 Tundra, 2008-2010 Sequoia, 2009-2010 Vibe. Camry, RAV 4, Corolla and Highlander vehicles with VINs that begin with ‘J’ are not affected.

Owners who have suffered a car accident injury related to an unintended acceleration event should stop driving their vehicle immediately, get their vehicle towed directly to a Toyota dealership, and contact an auto accident attorney in their state to learn what remedies are available.

“Anyone who has experienced an auto accident due to a manufacturer’s safety defect should contact a qualified lawyer who is experienced handling auto accident cases,” recommends personal injury attorney Mark Bernstein. “If you or a loved one has been injured in an auto accident and have questions about your legal rights, contact an experienced auto accident lawyer who can advise you of your rights and the legal process for seeking compensation.”