Agency recommends church van driver training

WASHINGTON — The National Transportation Safety Board has recommended that states require special training for drivers of 15-­passenger vans after investigating accidents involving vans used by churches. The agency also recommended more stringent measures for detecting tire pressure since pressure levels that are significantly below manufacturer-recommended levels can adversely affect the handling of vehicles such as 15-passenger vans.

“The NTSB’s recommendations are based on fact, science and data and our analysis in these accidents demonstrate that we must do more to protect children and adults who travel in 15-passenger vans,” said Ellen G. Engleman, the board’s chairman, in a statement. “Our recommendations are attainable, doable and will make an immediate impact for safety.”