Mark Udall: “I would like to draw Members' attention to the dangers of 15-passenger vans. These vans have been associated with more…”

“I would like to draw Members' attention to the dangers of 15-passenger vans. These vans have been associated with more than 500 traffic fatalities since 1990. In 2001, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration found that when these vans are fully loaded they have a rollover risk that is six times higher than when there are only five people in the van. I have become alarmingly aware of the danger of these vans when a church group from my district rolled over 2 1/2 times while driving to a religious retreat. Four passengers died in this tragic accident. Only later did I find out that these vans are infamous for getting out of the control of the driver and rolling over. My colleagues can see firsthand what can happen when these vehicles lose control. This happened again last year when a van carrying firefighters who were on their way to fight a wildfire raging in Colorado lost control and rolled over more than four times, killing four of the firefighters. These vans were initially designed to carry freight, not people, but now they are widely used by airports, hotels, and other organizations to transport customers and schoolchildren. I have introduced H.R. 1641, the Passenger Van Safety Act, along with Senator Snowe, to make sure that these needless tragedies end and that the most precious cargo, our children, get home safe and sound. I encourage my colleagues to join me and Senator Snowe in cosponsoring this important safety bill.”