What Are the Common Causes of Van Accidents?
The common causes of van accidents are similar to the causes of semi-truck accidents. And, like truck accidents, many van accidents are preventable.
Rollovers
This is technically a type of accident, but a van rolling over can be the catalyst of a devastating accident, causing a collision with oncoming traffic.
Vans and SUVs have a high center of gravity, which means they’re more likely to tip over if they’re not loaded correctly. It only takes a sharp turn or sudden evasive move to throw off the balance and cause the driver to lose control.
To avoid rollover accidents, van drivers must understand the weight distribution of their vehicles.
Van weight comprises three categories:
- Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR): How much the van is allowed to weigh.
- Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR): If the van is towing a trailer, the GCWR is how much both are allowed to weigh combined.
- Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR): How much weight is allowed on each axle. This ensures weight is evenly distributed throughout the vehicle and prevents too much strain on either the front or rear axle. Often, the GAWR will be higher than the GVWR, as the GAWR is how much weight the axles can take. However, just because they can tolerate more weight does not mean a van driver should overload the van beyond the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating.
These weights vary by van type and are shown on the driver’s seat base. There will also be a label on the driver-side doorjamb that tells drivers the total allowable weight, including fuel, cargo, and passengers. Drivers may forget the weight includes everything inside the vehicle — not just the cargo it’s carrying — which can tip the total weight beyond its maximum limit.
Just like uneven weight distribution can cause a rollover van accident, overloaded vans can result in them too. Heavy vehicles can hinder braking and steering, affecting a driver’s ability to control their vehicle safely.
Speeding
Whether a van driver is delivering goods or driving a non-commercial vehicle and wants to get to their destination faster, they may drive too quickly, sometimes beyond the legal limit.
Speeding means that if there’s a hazard — whether a physical hazard on the road or another driver ahead braking abruptly — the van driver has less time to react and may drive straight into the hazard or slam the brakes, skid across the road, and collide with traffic.
Distracted Driving and Fatigue
Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of all motor vehicle accidents. Distracted driving is anything that takes a driver’s attention off the road — and all it takes is one second to cause a crash. Having a quick sip of water while driving or talking to other passengers may seem innocent enough, but these activities cause severe accidents across the US every year.
Driver fatigue is another common cause, and it’s especially prevalent among commercial van drivers who work long hours. If a driver feels tired while behind the wheel, they are obligated to pull over and rest before resuming their journey. If they don’t, and they cause a van accident, they can be held liable for putting the safety of others on the road at risk.
Driving under the Influence
Driving under the influence is common among drivers of all motor vehicles, from cars to semi-trucks. When an individual is driving a van for work, they may resort to taking stimulants like amphetamine to help them stay awake. However, such stimulants compromise the attention span and reduce reaction time, which can cause a deadly accident.
Even legal drugs like prescriptions and over-the-counter medications can cause drowsiness, so if a driver takes these, they must be prepared to stop driving if fatigue sets in.
Inadequate Inspections and Maintenance
If a van driver works for a delivery company or other employer, the company is required to conduct regular maintenance to ensure their fleet of vans is safe and road-worthy. If a fault isn’t detected and causes a van accident that injures you, you may hold the company responsible.
Bad Weather Conditions
There’s little anyone can do about inclement weather such as wind, snow, and heavy rain, but it should influence how a van driver acts on the road. Bad weather conditions can affect visibility and make slick roads hard to navigate, but van drivers should take precautions, such as driving slowly to prevent skidding. If a driver fails to take care while driving and causes an accident, a van accident lawyer can hold them accountable for their recklessness.
Van Defects
If part of a van is faulty and this defect causes an accident, you might be able to claim compensation from the manufacturer. Unfortunately, this is one cause of van accidents that can’t always be prevented, as many don’t know a van part is faulty until it’s too late. Some of the most commonly affected van parts are:
- Brakes
- Steering mechanism
- Tires
- Reflectors
- Horns
- Windshield wipers
- Rear mirrors
- Hinge
- Fuel tank
- Engine
