THREE IN FOUR van drivers insist they are BETTER than other motorists

Thursday, September 12, 2013 - 15:00
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Van-fleet van

BETTER: Are van drivers superior?

Almost three in four white van men believe they are better motorists than non-working drivers, a TomTom study has revealed.

An incredible 70% of UK light commercial vehicle users insisted that they are superior to those who do not drive for work.

The study also revealed 75% of work drivers speed, while a shocking 15% admitted they send and receive text messages at the wheel.

Worryingly, 39% of fleet drivers admitted they drive more carefully when using their personal vehicle – largely for economic reasons.

Saving money on fuel and vehicle wear and tear was a key motivation for 67% of drivers, with 29% citing the absence of working time pressures.

In addition, 59% said they were more likely to speed or take risks in their work vehicles as a result of working time pressures.

Thomas Schmidt, Managing Director of TomTom Business Solutions’ Managing Director, said: “A significant proportion of at-work drivers demonstrate clear awareness of the benefits of safe, efficient driving, which is applied in their personal vehicles – but working pressures are adversely affecting performance.

“Inefficient practice will have a negative impact on business profitability, as a result of higher fuel costs, lower productivity and an increased number of accidents.

“The onus is on employers to take action by encouraging higher standards behind the wheel and minimising the time pressures facing mobile workers.

“Greener, safer, more efficient driving practices require businesses to collaborate with their drivers.

“Appropriate fleet management technology can play a major role in this, offering clear management information and helping to raise awareness of responsible driving by providing real-time feedback to drivers.

“This not only provides transparency on performance standards being measured but can also help companies target driver training where it is most needed.”

1 Comments

  1. I agree, van drivers are generally more confident and aware of what’s happening and are much more predictable than other motorists. They drive in a manner which avoids delay and although they are not all angels, I find them generally courteous and considerate AND they know what indicators are for. If more motorists adopted similar driving styles, we wouldn’t have the queues at roundabouts and junctions.
    And NO, I don’t drive a van for a living.