5 Top Tips for Safe Van

Driving Driving a van is significantly different

to driving a car. These tips should help you stay safe in the cabin.

1. Keep Your Distance

It’s important to leave more distance from the vehicle in front than you would when driving a car.

Due to their weight vans have longer stopping distances than cars.

You really don’t want to hit the back of another driver as you’ll likely end up on the wrong end of a van insurance claim.

2. Know the Height

If you’re not used to driving a van it’s easy to forget that they are significantly taller than cars.

This can lead to accidents involving car park barriers, tunnels and overhanging trees.

Often the safe maximum height will be displayed, but other times you’ll just have to judge it.

3. Spread the Load

It’s important to evenly distribute your load. If you don’t you can affect the stability and handling of the van.

Try to keep the centre of gravity as low as possible.

Try to keep an even balance between each side of the van.

4. Mirrors are Key

When driving a van you need to pay extra attention to your mirrors. Due to the structure of vans you’ll have more blind spots.

So make sure your mirrors are set up perfectly before you start driving.

Check your mirrors more frequently and take extra care when reversing and parking.

5. Check the Doors

It’s important to double check that the cargo doors are secure.

If a door flaps open while driving it could seriously injure someone.

An improperly secured door could cause your cargo to spill and result in a serious accident.