Tag: highway code

Van Driver Mistakes That Could Instantly Invalidate Your Van Insurance

Posted on by News Desk

By now you should know what you can and can’t do whilst driving a vehicle.

Any vehicle, not just a van.

It does seem though, that some folks need to be constantly reminded of these facts, as some of our weekly stories illustrate.

Hands-Free Or Not At All

Holding your mobile phone whilst driving is a definite no-no; especially more so since the recent changes to the Highway Code.

However, one driver in Pembrokeshire was recently fined £220 plus costs of £90.

He also had the privilege of having 3 points on his driving licence.

Police charged the driver with “not being in proper control of a vehicle,” a Transit van.

They had spotted him using his phone while driving.

The driver also failed to attend the court hearing!

Dangerous Driving

Thames Valley Police recently sentenced another van driver to 18 months in prison after chasing and finally catching him.

The driver had been speeding at 90mph on the M40 and continued at this speed on the A40 after leaving the motorway.

Driving erratically and endangering other road users, the driver tested positive for drugs.

He also lacked a valid driving licence and van insurance.

Motorists Keeping North Yorkshire Police Busy

A team of officers in an unmarked police vehicle observed a van driver.

They were there to target lawbreakers on the roads, in this case, the A1M near Wetherby.

Not only was the driver in question not wearing a seatbelt, but he was also using his mobile phone.

When he saw the officers filming him, he reacted by sticking two fingers up at them.

Unsurprisingly, authorities fined him £200 and added 6 penalty points to his licence.

On Patrol In Harrogate

North Yorkshire Police recently patrolled and decided to investigate a white van and its driver at a roadside stop.

One officer instinctively sensed something was off, although they initially stopped the van for defective lights.

They investigated further and discovered the vehicle lacked tax, had no valid MOT, and the driver’s licence was revoked.

A definite case of “you’re nicked, sunshine”.

Don’t take any chances, and don’t get caught out without insurance.

Have a quick check for the best and cheapest van insurance quotes for your van.

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Driver Caught On M4 Driving Van Without Tyres Blames Covid And Alcohol

Posted on by News Desk

Ever Seen A Van Missing Tyres?

Imagine this:

You’re driving along the motorway at night.

Suddenly, you spot a van… with missing tyres.

That’s exactly what happened on the M4 recently.

A Night Out Gone Wrong

The driver?

He’d been out with friends, had a few drinks (maybe a few too many), and then decided to drive home.

Where did my tyres go?

How do you not notice you’re driving on rims?

We can only guess.

The driver was, in fact, almost twice over the legal alcohol limit.

So, perhaps that had a little something to do with it.

Driving on Rims? No Problem, Apparently…

But this driver didn’t stop.

Instead, he kept going.

Ten miles on the rims!

A concerned driver eventually noticed and promptly alerted the police.

Fortunately, since it was the early hours, the roads were quiet with far less traffic around.

Pulled Over by Police

When police pulled him over, they gave him a breathalyser test.

The result?

Almost twice the legal limit of 35 micrograms of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath.

Blaming Covid for Poor Judgement

The driver admitted the charge, but he had an excuse.

He blamed his poor awareness on Covid.

He tested positive the next day, claiming it “clouded” his mind.

So he wasn’t fully aware of his decisions.

“Trying to Reach Safety” as a Defence?

His defence argued he was just trying to reach safety, as recommended by the Highway Code.

But what does it say about drinking and driving with two blown tyres?

Maybe common sense would have been a better guide.

The Prosecutor’s Response

The prosecutor wasn’t convinced.

They argued it was the alcohol, not Covid, clouding his judgment.

Nice try, though.

Make sure you have the best and cheapest van insurance quotes for your van. Simply begin by completing this quick 3-minute form, and you’ll be on your way.

 

Food for thought

Posted on by News Desk

How many drivers have messy vans? It probably didn’t start off that way, but after a while, you’re too busy and will tidy up “next time”. We all know next time rarely comes and before you know it, you’ve got a pile of cans, bottles, coffee cups, wrappers, and fast food containers building up inside the cab.

It’s not really a problem, is it? Well, actually yes it is. You might not think it could happen, but what if something is on the floor and rolls over to the driver’s compartment?

What could happen?

One of two things is bound to happen in this scenario. You need to brake but can’t because there is something lodged under the pedals OR you decide to try and move it – you are no longer in full control of your van. Both of these could have serious consequences.

If your van is considered to be overly messy, you might just find yourself with a fine and points on your licence.

Whilst there isn’t actually a law against having a messy van or vehicle, you could be in breach of Rules 117-121 and 144 of the Highway Code.

If you are unfortunate enough to be followed by a law enforcement vehicle and they spot you struggling, depending (as always) on the severity of the situation you might end up with a fine of up to £5000.

If a fatality is caused by lack of care and attention, then a prison sentence will be handed down.

Apparently, millions of drivers are guilty of leaving some rubbish in their vehicles, but if it is looking a little bit like your local skip, it really is time to clean up your mess!

Take it home

Please don’t forget though, don’t throw rubbish out of the window. That is also a breach of Rule 147 which states you shouldn’t throw anything out of your vehicle. This includes cigarette ends and all the other rubbish mentioned at the beginning.

It’s all about being considerate towards other road users, especially motorcyclists and cyclists.

Now might be a good time to make sure your insurance is all up to date and in order. It only takes a few minutes to check for the cheapest online by using our quick 3-minute form.

Thanks, but no thanks!

Posted on by News Desk

It would appear that the act of being courteous to other drivers could land you in a bit of trouble with points on your licence and/or a fine. Who would’ve thought that trying to be helpful to your fellow motorist would create such a fuss?

Helpful honking

It does sound like something geese might do but we are referring to when you are alerting other road users to danger. Be careful though, there are restrictions on when you can legally use the van’s horn.

If you are sitting behind someone in traffic, the lights change, and they don’t move, you CAN’T let them know by hooting – it’s considered aggressive. This is against the law and you could be fined.

Believe it or not, but if you are found to be honking without good reason, it could cost you as little as a £30 fine, but if contested in court, as much as £1000. Use with caution and where appropriate.

Waving

Not when you’ve spotted your friend and waved but rather when you wish to be polite and thank someone for their good manners. Sad really isn’t it, but the thought process is that if you do this, you are not in full control of the wheel and therefore, the van.

Whilst doing our research, we found differing opinions on this topic. The consensus seems to be, that as long as your palm is still on the steering wheel, you can raise your fingers in acknowledgement of other drivers when they have shown politeness to you.

No flashing, please

We are, of course, talking about headlights and hazard lights. This is a definite no-no and will get you fined. Hazard lights are to be used in emergencies only.

This does not include parking on double yellow lines and sticking the hazards on because you’re only going to be a few minutes!

It’s pretty obvious really when to use your hazard lights. You shouldn’t use them when someone has let you into traffic, even if you want to thank them. This could result in a fine/points if you’re spotted by police.

Only use hazard lights when necessary to warn others of a hazard – if your van has broken down or if traffic ahead has suddenly slowed down.

After considering all the above, don’t forget to make sure your insurance is all up to date and in order. It only takes a few minutes to check for the cheapest online by using our quick 3-minute form.

Dogs, A Van Driver’s Best Friend

Posted on by News Desk

Man’s Best Friend

Dogs…

Or, in this case, a van driver’s best friend.

Recently, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles conducted a very important study.

It concluded that a whopping 41% of you would rather take your loyal canine buddies to work with you.

This is instead of leaving them at home (potentially alone) or even with a trusted dog-sitter.

The Importance Of Restraining Your Dogs

Unfortunately, 29% of you also confessed to not securing them safely in your vans, meaning your pooch may not be restrained properly.

Big deal?

Well actually, yes.

If you plan to take pets on work journeys, you must restrain them properly.

This rule comes from the Highway Code (Rule 57).

This is to avoid accidents that could consequently be caused by your dog (or other pet) distracting you.

You could also be looking at a fine, and above all, potentially nullify your van insurance.

This means that, as much as we might love our goofball pups up in the front seat with us, it’s best to safely secure our dogs in an alternative fashion.

Safe Restraint Options

There are a few options you could try if you haven’t already done so.

For example, use a harness that doubles as a seatbelt or a secure cage or carrier.

Or the ever-popular method of using the boot (as long as you’re able to use a dog-guard).

It goes without saying that whichever choice you make, ensure your dog is as comfortable as possible.

A Cautionary Tale

In other van and dog-related news…

There have been reports of an unfortunate case of a delivery driver spending time at a police station (approximately five hours!) because of dogs.

The police arrested the delivery driver from Wales after someone wrongfully accused him.

Authorities suspected him of stealing a couple of sheepdogs.

In reality, the hard-working driver was actually carrying out his deliveries and found the dogs on the road.

Following this, he tried to get them to safety.

Be Mindful On The Road

So, whether you’re out and about in your van with your beloved dog as a companion,

or if you’ve found a stray and you’re trying to help it, be careful not to be mistaken as a dog thief!

Conclusion

Safety First

Secondly, and most importantly, secure your furry companions safely and keep your van insurance policy valid.

It’s as simple as that.

Whilst you’re here, why not prepare for renewing your premium and have a browse for cheap van insurance quotes?

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