A tragic Oregon auto accident earlier this week claimed the life of Makh Daniel, 28, lead singer of the punk/metal band Early Graves. The Medford Buzz-Examiner reported that Daniels “was fatally injured after being ejected from the rear cargo area of a van” traveling on Interstate 5 near Central Point. The band was apparently heading toward its next tour date after performing in Salem. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the band’s members and their families affected by this car crash.
The vehicle was reported as a 2003 Chevrolet extended van. According to Oregon State Police, the driver fell asleep and allowed the van to drift off the highway’s right shoulder. It’s not clear from news stories whether the van’s design contributed at all to the driver’s losing control. If it did, however, publicity brought to the safety issues in 15-passenger van designs may help warn other bands of the risks of riding in these vehicles. Musicians, sports teams, church groups, and others often use extended vans without knowing that they may be putting themselves in serious danger.
15-Passenger Van Auto Accident Risks
The 15-passenger van has been shown to be one of the most dangerous vehicles on the road for rollover accidents. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (“NHTSA”) research has shown that 15-passenger vans have a rollover risk that increases dramatically as the number of occupants increases from fewer than five to more than ten. In fact, 15-passenger vans (with 10 or more occupants) had a rollover rate in single vehicle crashes that is nearly three times the rate of those that were lightly loaded.
Oregon Van Rollover Crash Injury Prevention
15-passenger van drivers and passengers on Oregon roads may be especially vulnerable to the risks of these vehicles’ design. NHTSA data indicate that three major situations can lead to a rollover in a 15-passenger van:
- The van goes off a rural road. If this occurs, the van is likely to overturn when it strikes a ditch or embankment or when it is tripped by an object or runs onto soft soil.
- The driver is fatigued or driving too fast for conditions. A tired driver can doze off and lose control. The driver can also lose control when traveling at a high speed causing the van to slide sideways off the road. The grassy or dirt medians that line highways can often cause the van to overturn when the tires dig into the dirt.
- The driver overcorrects the steering as a panic reaction to an emergency or to a wheel dropping off the pavement. Especially at freeway speeds, this situation can cause the driver to lose control, resulting in the van sliding sideways and rolling over.
Oregon Auto Accident Attorney Free Consultation
After a 15-passenger van crash or other auto accident, injured parties should promptly contact an Oregon personal injury lawyer who will fight to protect legal rights and recover full compensation for injury or wrongful death. Portland accident attorney Dane Johnson provides a free consultation and offers dedicated and aggressive legal representation. Call our office toll free at (800) 714-3204 or tell us about your car accident using our online contact form.
Related Web Resources
NHTSA, Reducing the Risk of Rollover Crashes in 15-Passenger Vans
Jason Hook, Early Graves Lead Singer Killed, Two Injured in Tour Van Crash, Medford Buzz-Examiner, Aug. 3, 2010.
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