The Dangers Of Overloading A 15-Passenger Van

Summer time brings more people out on the roadways throughout Florida and the rest of the country, and many will be doing so in a 15-passenger van. This type of vehicle is a popular mode of transportation, especially for church groups, sports teams, and summer activity organizers. However, many are unaware that the risk of fatal rollover accidents is exceptionally high with these types of vehicles. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) urges people to take proper precautions to "guard against the possibility of a tragic rollover crash."

15-passenger vans are incredibly sensitive to loading. Overloading the van makes the vehicle unstable and increases the risk of a rollover accident. Passengers are also under greater risk of an accident due to many drivers lacking experience handling a larger vehicle. Tire pressure is a major contributing factor in rollover crashes. In a recent NHTSA survey, it was estimated that 30 percent of 15-passenger vans have "at least one significantly under-inflated tire by 8 psi or more." Because tires degrade over time, many tire manufacturers advise that tires 10 years old or more not be used at all. Another facet of the high number of fatalities associated with 15-passenger van rollovers is the disproportionate amount of passengers not wearing seat belts, 88% of people killed were not wearing a seat belt.

If your summer plans include a ride in a 15-passenger van, here are some safety tips from the NHTSA to make sure your trip is a safe one:

• Never overload the vehicle. Agency research shows overloading not only increases rollover risk but makes the vehicle more unstable in any handling maneuvers. 
• Make sure the vehicle is regularly maintained, and that drivers are properly licensed and experienced in operating a 15-passenger van. 
• Have suspension and steering components inspected according to the manufacturer's recommended schedule and replace or repair these parts as necessary. 
• Ensure that vehicles are equipped with properly sized and load-rated tires. 
• Check the tires for proper inflation and signs of wear or damage. Correct tire size and inflation pressure information can be found in the owner's manual and on the door pillar. 

Contact Florida Personal Injury Attorney Jeffrey Sexton at 888-293-1144 if you or a loved one has been injured or killed as a result of an accident in a 15-passenger van.

Florida Has Strict Rules When It Comes To Building A Residential Swimming Pool

The Florida Legislature has strict rules and regulations when it comes to the building and approval of residential swimming pools. Florida is a state where we spend a great deal of our time outdoors. In doing so, we run a high risk of injuries and death caused by outdoor activities, such as swimming.

After lengthy review, The Florida Legislature found that drowning is the leading cause of death in young children and medically frail elderly people. Not surprisingly, they also found that constant adult supervision is essential in reducing the number of drownings and near drownings.

In an effort to reduce drowning and near-drowning incidents, the Residential Pool Safety Act was passed. In order to combat lapses in supervision, the act requires each new residential pool to be equipped with a safety feature designed to deny, delay, or detect unsupervised entry to the swimming pool, spa, or hot tub area.

It is now required that all new residential swimming pools, spas, and hot tubs be equipped with at least one pool safety feature as specified by the Legislature. All in an effort to prevent the enormous health care, loss of productivity, and legal costs associated with drowning and near drowning incidents each year.

For more information on the safety rules and regulations set forth by the Florida Legislature click here to view the entire ruling. Contact Florida Personal Injury Attorney Jeffrey Sexton at 888-293-1144 if you or a loved one has been injured or killed as a result of a drowning or near drowning incident.