Van Drivers “Twice As Likely” To Use A Mobile While Driving

Introduction

The use of mobile phones while driving is a growing concern.

Recent studies have shown that van drivers are “twice as likely” to use their phones while behind the wheel compared to car drivers.

This dangerous behaviour puts the lives of drivers and other road users at risk.

It could also have significant consequences for van drivers’ insurance policies.

Demands Of The Job Versus The Dangers Of Distracted Driving

One of the main reasons for the high rate of mobile phone use among van drivers is the demanding nature of their job.

Van drivers often need to make calls, send text messages, or use GPS navigation while on the road.

They may feel that they need to be constantly connected to perform their job effectively.

However, the use of a mobile phone while driving is dangerous and illegal, and it increases the risk of accidents on the road.

The High Cost Of Mobile Phone Use For Van Drivers

The dangers of using a mobile phone while driving are well documented.

Distracted driving is a leading cause of accidents on the road.

Using a mobile phone takes a driver’s attention away from the road, even for just a few seconds.

This can result in a crash, and it can also result in a fine or loss of points on a driver’s licence.

Furthermore, using a mobile phone while driving can also be a criminal offence.

This can carry a jail sentence and also have an impact on a van driver’s insurance policy.

Insurance companies consider a driver’s behavior when setting policy prices.

They view using a mobile phone while driving as high-risk behavior.

Insurance companies can void a policy if they find the driver at fault.

This might make the driver liable for paying for the damages and injuries from an accident, which could be financially devastating.

How To Reduce The Use Of Mobile Phones While Driving Among Van Driver In the UK

One solution is to increase enforcement of the law through increased police presence on the road.

And the use of technology such as cameras that can detect mobile phone use while driving.

Employers can also play a role in reducing mobile phone use among their employees by setting clear policies, providing training,

and ensuring that employees have the tools and resources they need to perform their job without using their mobile phones while driving.

Another solution is to encourage the use of hands-free technology while driving.

This can include hands-free headsets, voice-activated controls, and dashboard-mounted devices.

These tools can help drivers keep their hands on the wheel and their eyes on the road.

Thus reducing the risk of a crash and improving their insurance situation.

Conclusion

The trend of van drivers using mobile phones while driving in the UK is a concerning issue that needs to be addressed by increasing enforcement,

encouraging the use of hands-free technology, and raising awareness.

More Needs to be Done For Working Driver Safety, Report Finds

UK Road Safety Charity, IAM Roadsmart has delivered a call to action for working drivers and their employers, stating that more needs to be done to keep working drivers safe and reduce the levels of accidents on the roads.

Their report has found that there were 5,506 serious and fatal crashed that occurred in 2018, where at-work drivers were involved, a number that has increased over time. This is in sharp contrast to the overall number of deaths and serious accidents in general, which has shown a reassuring decrease over the same amount of time. Also worrying was that almost half of employers expected their employees to answer their phone whilst they were on the road. A shocking 13% of those surveyed said that the hard shoulder was a suitable place to take or make work phone calls, and 17% of driving employees said they had been involved in an incident as a result of a phone call from a colleague.

The head of the charity said that not only do employers have to wise up about what is acceptable for their own, in-house drivers, but that many don’t realise that grey-fleet (self-employed, but working for the company) drivers are also liable and subject to the same codes of conduct and laws as those who are fully employed.

The report goes on to demand that more needs to be done by businesses in terms of educating drivers on codes of conduct and behaving responsibly whilst behind the wheel and that companies need to have a responsible set of rules for all their drivers, employed or not.

Many employers and employees fail to acknowledge that while taking hands-free calls is legal, it is still a significant distraction that they should actively be avoiding. And the reality is that for businesses who have a fleet of drivers, around 30% of that fleet will be involved in some kind of collision whilst on the roads each year.

Employers need to have solid health and safety whilst driving at work plans, but many still do not.

Meanwhile, almost a third of drivers for work do not have the correct insurance and are lacking any or adequate cover for business travel, rendering their policies useless. And, while we don’t have all the answers for improving road safety, that one we can help with. Simply fill out our online form and let the best insurers come to you directly with a range of insurance policies for van drivers that will cover pretty much all eventualities.

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