Tag: van driver accidents

Oopsie Daisies Committed by Van Drivers

Posted on by News Desk

There have been a few stories circulating around the web recently over UK van drivers making some silly mistakes. However, we’ve got your back. We’ve decided to call them Oopsie Daisies. 

These things can happen to anyone. Can’t they…? Why don’t you read on and be the judge?

Delivery Driver Working for DPD Gets Stuck Inside His Van – TWICE

Forgot your keys in the van and locked yourself out before? Fair enough. It happens. However, this unfortunate DPD driver managed to get himself trapped in the back of his van, not once, but twice. 

Thankfully, after making a ruckus to get the attention of anyone who may have been around him, he was rescued by a nearby student. He used his horn and hammered – which we guess is definitely difficult to ignore.

Now, we get that this is the type of situation that may happen to someone once. But for it to happen twice? You may want to wedge your van doors open a bit mate, especially if you have no choice but to go in and get parcels.

Can you relate? Or has something similar happened to you? Let us know. We promise not to laugh.

If you’d like to watch the viral TikTok that caused the van driver’s unfortunate event to become famous, you can watch it here.

Van Driver from Exeter Drives Off with Roof of Car Park

Not quite the exit he meant to make, we’re sure. An unfortunate van driver in Devon somehow made the unlucky call and misjudged the manoeuvre. 

Helping a friend move in, the driver must have been very surprised to discover he now had an additional roof strapped to the top of his van. 

Witnesses say they are surprised there haven’t been more incidents like this, as the car park roof is quite a low one. 

An oopsie daisie, for sure.

If you’d like to read more about the unfortunate event, you can do so here.

I’ve Committed an Oopsie Daisie, What Should I Do?

We’re quite sure we’d rather have the first oopsie daisie happen to us, but perhaps you’d prefer the second?

Of course, in an ideal world, there would be no oopsie daisies at all. However, these things do happen, and in events like this, it’s best to be prepared.

That’s why we offer cheap van insurance deals, especially for you. We will have the lender for you, so why not fill out this quick form, and see what we can do to help.

How Sneezing Can Become Deadly

Posted on by News Desk

We interrupt our weekly programming of news about the fuel crisis, *yawn* to bring you a sad story about sneezing.

You may have heard the tragic news already, but if you haven’t, then let this serve as a stark warning.

What Reacting Too Late Can Cost You

The tragic incident of a van driver becoming blind in one eye, and suffering brain damage, happened nearly 3 years ago.

However, the man who was the cause of the accident has just been sentenced.

The event happened due to a lorry driver suffering a sneezing fit.

His reactions were too slow, and unfortunately, he did not slow down in time.

This resulted in a crash between his lorry and the van driver.

It has also been reported that the lorry driver was using cruise control.

Unfortunately, after three years, the van driver, Mr Steven Hurst, still suffers from severe memory loss.

The Price to Pay

The lorry driver will spend a year in prison for his mistake, as well as a driving ban lasting two years.

On top of this, he will carry out 80 hours of work (unpaid).

He will also follow the rules of a strict curfew for half a year, as his sentence has been deferred for 15 months.

However, there is clear remorse from Colin Shaw, as he has accepted his mistake and declared he did not react quickly enough.

He agreed that despite traffic being clear to see for nearly half of a mile, he did not use his brakes in time and was too slow to do so.

A sobering admission.

Van Drivers, Be Vigilant

We know this could happen to any motorist out there, but lorry and van drivers, in particular, deal with long hours.

The tiring effects can be detrimental to driving confidence and ability.

We have even heard about people getting into accidents due to wasps in the car, or something similar.

Our sympathies go out to Mr Hurst and his family.

It is tragic and cannot be helped, but perhaps being aware of what could go wrong can help.

Should things take a tragic turn of events, you’re going to want to make sure you’re covered by good insurance.

Fill out this quick 3-minute form to see how you gain just that, as well as make a saving. 

Driver Takes His Van For A Swim

Posted on by News Desk

Yes, you did read what you thought you just read.

And whilst it’s not quite as simple as that, we’re phrasing it that way, so the driver doesn’t feel too bad. 

…But he should. 

This week’s news comes fresh to you from Exmouth.

A lovely English Seaside town in the South of Devon, that can get quite lively, from what we hear.

Well, lively enough for a van driver to park his van on a tidal slipway, slip off for a quiet pint or two, and forget about the van.

The driver went off for a pint, that is – not the van.

Then again, the van did go swimming, so who knows what else it’s capable of…

Unfortunately, this memory loss has cost the driver dearly.

The next thing he knew, town members had spotted his white van bobbing off into the sea.

Regrettably, he was not made aware of this until the next morning, when he returned to pick up his van.

Thankfully, the driver appears to have remained upbeat.

What else can you do, we suppose?

We’re not sure what exactly is in the air and affecting our dear van drivers this week, but similar news also hit the headlines in Cornwall. 

Whilst we don’t think a pint was involved this time, there was some blatant disregard for parking rules.

The unfortunate driver was initially at Newquay Harbour Beach to help launch a boat.

He then ignored signs and protests from the parking attendant about leaving his van on the beach.

Well, karma sure came around for this guy because the next thing he knew, his van was already submerged, having a dip in the sea.

The best thing (or worst thing?) was that he left his van there, just so he could go off and jet ski with a buddy.

That’ll teach him. Hopefully.

Where’s the weirdest place you’ve ever left your van parked?

We’re sure there are some juicy stories out there… So, come on, don’t be shy! 

If, like the unfortunate drivers in this article, you ever find your van needing a float in the form of van insurance, we’re thankful to say we have you covered.

 So whether you’re planning on parking on the beach (let’s hope not),

or somewhere a little more sensible (like the road, or a driveway, perhaps?),

you’ll find we have the cheapest van insurance quotes around.

The Battle of the Century? Van Drivers Versus E-Scooters

Posted on by News Desk

This post is a warning for all our lovely van drivers out there on the roads, simply minding their own business.

E-scooters can now be categorised into the same class as motor vehicles.

This could put you at a greater risk of losing legal protection for any personal injury claims you may need to make, as a result of other motorists’ actions.

Let’s hope you never have to, but what’s the deal?

Let us set the scene.

You’re driving along your usual delivery route when suddenly, you find yourself staring at someone hurtling towards you on an e-scooter.

But wait – why are they riding along without a care in the world on the opposite way of a street that’s meant to be one-way? 

You have no choice but to swerve.

In swerving, you end up injuring yourself.

Whiplash.

Awful whiplash, actually.

However, due to a new loophole, you won’t be able to claim for legal aid.

Especially if the claim falls below £5,000.

Bad times.

There has been a rise in the number of people becoming e-scooter riders lately, and that’s all well and good and that (especially for the environment), but let’s face it.

They aren’t half annoying.

Especially, for motorists in vans, mainly due to safety issues, plus the risk of losing out on legal aid.

Whilst the e-scooters are only able to speed along at the menacing speed of 30 miles per hour, they can still be used on roads and even in cycle lanes.

However, this is only allowed in areas where around 50 rental schemes (lasting 12 months) have been rolled out in certain areas.

There are currently 31 regions taking part.

There has been speculation that the environmentally friendly scheme came about to reduce the number of people using private transport after Covid-19 restrictions start to loosen and lift.

Safety is currently a huge concern surrounding the e-scooters, especially when not all users consider safety paramount. 

So, have you spotted any e-scooters lately?

Perhaps you rent one yourself?!

The impact of e-scooters in public spaces is currently being monitored.

So if you have experienced a close shave with one, or would like to share your experiences, it’s time to get in touch with the UK’s Department of Transport!

Whichever side of the battle you find yourself on, at least you know you’re covered with cheap van insurance costs.

Simply fill out this form and let us take care of the rest.

Car Calamities and Doggy Disasters

Posted on by News Desk

So, we’ve spent the past few weeks here warning you about the uptick of idiot drivers on the roads as lockdown eases (day 98 and counting), but it seems it’s not just the members of the great British public who are at it, you lot are having your own fair share of accidents too.

Let’s start in Lancashire, whose police force are currently without their drone unit, thanks to a red van driver who failed to stop and rammed into the police unit before making off. Thankfully he didn’t get far and has been arrested and is awaiting further action.

Meanwhile, a van driver up in Wakefield will be praying his van insurance is the best he could buy, after crashing into the back of a car which was awaiting roadside assistance on the M1. Except it wasn’t just any car. Oh no. The car in question was a Lamborghini Huracan Spyder, which was just 20 minutes old, having just been collected by its new proud owner, before running into mechanical issues and was awaiting assistance. 

Ouch.

Who doesn’t like to take their dog to work? Especially now, given that social distancing in vans means there is more space for our four-legged friends to join us on our day to day adventures. Although with it comes a great responsibility, especially in hotter weather. If you are going to take your dog along, don’t do what a Wilshire van driver did, and leave his Springer Spaniel in the van with the windows closed for over an hour. Seeing the dog was in distress, luckily the police were on hand to break the van window and give the dog some much-needed water. The van driver however, on returning to his vehicle was less than impressed with the police, ‘not seeing a problem’ with leaving his dog in a hot van. Thankfully, this has earned him a referral to the RSPCA. 

DO NOT LEAVE DOGS IN YOUR VAN IN THE SUMMER.

It’s that simple. If they are coming to work with you, it’s your responsivity to make sure that they are well taken care of and not left unattended by you. Otherwise, you are likely going to be better leaving them at home.

One final thing – we expect an uptick in drink driving this weekend when people flood back to the pub, so if you are out, stay safe, and if you are going to the pub – don’t drink and drive, and don’t leave your dog in the van. It’s really not so hard.

Van Drivers in Stormy Waters

Posted on by News Desk

Well, hardly surprising in this weather, but van drivers up and down the country have been hitting the headlines this week for all the wrong reasons. A DPD driver up in Fordingbridge had to be rescued after his van got swept away by floods when the river burst its banks, (so if you’re expecting a parcel, you may not be getting it). Thankfully, locals were there to pull him to safety. Over in High Wycombe, a van driver was left with serious injuries after being hit by a suspected drug-driver. Meanwhile, in Norfolk, a van driver blamed a drug-induced coma for crashing into a parked car, before hitting the wall of a house before finally stopping when he’d ploughed into a church wall.  Up in Scotland, another van driver finds himself in court after fatally wounding someone during Storm Dylan.

It’s not great on van drivers, is it? While we can’t really say anything about the drug user besides hoping he gets what he deserves, in this stormy weather, the chance of an accident it infinitely higher for us all, and if it’s your work and pay packet that’s at risk… when the weather is this bad, what’s the right thing to do? 

Granted, nobody wants to be on the road when the wind is blowing and the rivers are bursting their banks all around us, but delivery drivers and tradesmen still have jobs to do. Staying home till it passes would leave many without work for more than the duration of the storm. 

It all comes down to balancing the risk. Here are some things you can do.

  • Check the weather forecast before you leave. Know what you’re going to be facing so you can be prepared.
  • Check local news to find out about any floods or accidents. Social media is great for finding local incidents before the news picks them up.
  • Stick to major roads where possible. Avoid back roads and country lanes where trees might be down and you’ll find yourself stuck.
  • Plan your journey and let someone know your intended route. Check in regularly so they know where you’re at. 
  • Don’t travel when the storm is at its worst. If you’re late, you’re late. It’s better than the alternative. 
  • Be prepared. Take warm clothes, a phone charger, blankets and food and drink. If you get stuck, you’ll need it. 
  • Make sure your van is in good nick. Check tyre pressures, oil levels and that there’s nothing preventable that could go wrong. Check your breakdown kit is stocked and ready if needed. 
  • Fill up before each journey. That way, if you need extra fuel, it’s there. 

We hope this is the last of the storms for the year, but, this is Britain, where snow in April isn’t unheard of, so be prepared for anything and stay safe.

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