Here's an FAQ excerpt from the National Bus Sales and Leasing, Inc.:

"Q- Are 15 passenger vans really that unsafe?

A - Here are some facts that will help you decide for yourself:

-The National Transportation Safety Board has taken a strong stance against the use of these vehicles.

-It is actually "illegal" for a dealership to sell a new 15 passenger van to any school (public or private) or church for the purpose of transporting students.

-Hundreds of people have died in the past 10 years in van roll-over accidents.

-There is no structural support in the roof of a van. In the event of a roll-over accident, these vehicles will "cave in," crushing the passengers.

-Many insurance companies will no longer insure these vans.

Q - How are your buses safer than 15 passenger vans?

A - Each vehicle has dual rear wheels for stability on the road.

-Steel cage construction (offered on all of our buses) means that there are steel supports in each of the side walls and ceilings. Passengers are actually sitting in a steel roll cage.

-Rigorous testing is completed for each model of bus we represent that demonstrates the bus meets or exceeds a long list of federal and state safety standards."