What factor increases the rollover risk of a 15 passenger van?

The number of occupants in a 15-passenger van directly increases the rollover risk due to the effect of weight distribution and vehicle dynamics. When a vehicle carries more passengers, it becomes heavier, which raises its center of gravity. A higher center of gravity means the vehicle is more prone to tipping over, especially during maneuvers like sharp turns or sudden movements. The presence of additional occupants also increases the likelihood of weight shifting within the vehicle, further affecting stability.

While factors such as high vehicle speed, wet road conditions, and frequent sharp turns can also contribute to rollover risks, they do not specifically relate to the inherent design and stability limitations of a 15-passenger van when it comes to the number of occupants. Therefore, the emphasis on the number of occupants distinctly highlights a critical non-dynamic factor that exacerbates the potential for rollovers in these types of vehicles.