FIVE TIPS TO REDUCE RISK 1) Wear a seat belt. Over the past decade, 80 percent of people killed in rollover crashes in 15-passenger vans were unbelted. 2) Use an experienced van driver. Because a 15-passenger van is substantially longer and wider than a car, it requires more space and additional reliance on the side-view mirrors for changing lanes; does not respond as well to abrupt steering maneuvers; and needs additional braking time, to name just a few of the things that make it tricky to drive. 3) Know how to load. When a 15-passenger van is not full, passengers should sit in seats that are in front of the rear axle. Additionally, more than 15 people should never be allowed to ride in a 15-passenger van. 4) Avoid conditions that lead to a loss of control. Never drive while under the influence of alcohol or other drugs. Ensure you are well rested and attentive, and always slow down if the roads are wet or icy. Eliminate distractions, such as eating or using cell phones. If you do make a mistake avoid the tendency to overcorrect. 5) Properly maintain your tires. Ensure your tires are properly inflated and the tread is not worn down. Worn tires can cause your van to slide sideways on wet or slippery pavement. Improper inflation can cause handling problems and can lead to catastrophic tire failures, such as blowouts. Therefore, check tire pressure and tread wear once a month. -- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration