Van traffic has seen startling growth over the last decade. Even during the Coronavirus pandemic, while general road traffic fell, van numbers grew on UK roads: the only vehicle type to do so.
As companies employ technology to make supply chains faster and more efficient, more online retailers offer next-day, or even same-day delivery options, and more drivers and vehicles are required. Unsurprisingly, van use has grown particularly sharply at weekends.
Van drivers face a host of major challenges to their safety, for example:
- Questionable working conditions of van drivers in several major delivery firms, which could put drivers in serious danger from fatigue, stress and distraction.
- Delivery drivers sometimes face intensely demanding working hours and shift patterns, and those who are paid on a by-delivery basis may feel compelled to work much longer hours for the sake of increasing their take-home pay.
- A massive anticipated shortfall of van drivers could put existing drivers under even more pressure.
- An abundance of general safety failures in van fleets putting drivers at risk.
This marks the 11th year of consecutive growth for UK van sales, and even as use of other vehicle types on UK roads fell in 2020, the first fall in vehicles on the road since 2009, van numbers grew – and were the only vehicle type to do so.
The change in vehicle types on the road could have complex effects on UK driving behaviour and hazards. Less experienced van drivers especially, of which there are a growing number, could be prone to mistakes because of a lack of familiarisation.
Car drivers need to be aware of certain risks associated with driving with increased Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV) traffic. Vans can pose a visual obstruction, limiting drivers’ ability to anticipate approaching hazards.
According to the DVLA and SMMT (Society for Motor Manufacturers and Traders), more than 80% of vans stopped by the roadside each year are judged to be ‘dangerously overloaded’, which means they pose a tangible hazard to their drivers and fellow road users alike.
What can we do to protect road users as the balance of vehicle types continues to change?
A Vehicle Familiarisation course is an excellent way for new van drivers to get comfortable and acquainted with their trusty new workhorse, and there are plenty of other training and risk-management options that we can provide to help boost fleet safety. Get in touch and find out how we can help.
