What is the evacuation distance for an SUV or van?

• A. 320 feet
• B. 400 feet
• C. 640 feet
• D. 860 feet

Answer: (B)

Evacuation distance is the safe radius you establish around a vehicle release to keep people out of the potential hazard as the material disperses. For an SUV or van, the standard protective distance used in many hazmat guidelines is 400 feet. This size fits between a small car and larger vehicles, providing a practical margin for unknown releases and typical wind conditions without over- or under-estimating the danger. The other distances are associated with different vehicle sizes or hazard assumptions, so 400 feet best matches SUV/van scenarios. If conditions change (stronger wind, higher hazard), you would adjust accordingly, but the test value reflects the usual guideline for this vehicle type.