University plans include the eventual replacement of the modified 15-passenger vans owned by PBHA, said Lee Ann Ross, the University’s director of insurance.

In the short term, the University hopes to purchase an additional 12-person van for PBHA, according to an e-mail past PBHA President Laura E. Clancy ’02-’03 wrote to the organization’s list.

“I can’t imagine a scarier thing than getting into an accident with a van full of volunteers or clients,” Clancy wrote.

Ross said student volunteers are cooperating with the safety improvements, despite the transportation difficulties they create.

“The students of PBHA have been very receptive to looking at safety issues and to reducing the risk of these vehicles,” she said.

While PBHA is the only student group with its own vehicles, the Athletic Department also has 15-passenger vans, Ross said. The athletic department removed seats in 15-passenger vehicles in early September and is still in the process of getting rid of the large vans permanently, she said.

The NHTSA warned in 2001 that 15-passenger vans have an increased rollover risk, as passenger weight shifts the center of gravity.

Although PBHA 15-passenger vans have never been involved in a serious accident, Clancy wrote in her e-mail that a van once rolled over but the occupants were not injured.

—Staff writer Faryl W. Ury can be reached at ury@fas.harvard.edu.