SL County to Sell-Off 15-Seater Vans

None by KCPW

Roll-over Danger Too Risky

(KCPW News) Salt Lake County is getting rid of its large passenger vans - the fifteen-seaters known for dangerous roll-overs like the one that killed several Utah State students last year.

The county has 58 large vans used frequently for transporting county staff, as well as seniors, youth and even jail inmates. The county's risk manager is recommending the practice stop. Alternative vehicles are more bus-like, seat fewer people and are more expensive, says County Mayor Peter Corroon. Still, he hopes to rid Salt Lake County of the dangerous 15-seater vans as soon as possible.

Corroon says the county will focus first on eliminating passenger vans that are used in more dangerous locations like canyons and freeways. In September 2005, one such van overturned in Northern Utah, killing eight USU students and their instructor. Since then, Utah State has also begun to rid itself of large passenger vans.

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