#vandriver

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.

Well, actually it was more like stuck in the sand for one unlucky AA driver. After receiving a call to rescue another driver and their vehicle that had got stuck in the sand at Porth Beach in Newquay, the unfortunate AA driver also became stuck.

Locals tried to come to the rescue and were seen attempting to free both vehicles, alongside the AA driver (and we would hope, the driver of the original vehicle that caused all the bother). Apparently, it took nearly an hour to free both vehicles but this is not the first time it has happened and not the first time the AA has been called and ended up stuck as well. The last time it happened, a tow truck was needed to rescue both!

Over Easter, a Transporter Van and a Mazda car were both in need of rescuing after becoming stuck in the sand. This same story is repeated down the road at Great Western Beach with over a dozen cars having to be rescued in the last year.

Why are people driving onto the beach? You may well ask. Who knows? Perhaps they didn’t feel like walking – let’s hope they take more care on their next visit though.

Bridge Over Troubled Water?

Talking of being stuck, another unfortunate van driver found themselves stuck not in sand but under a bridge. The road had to be closed as the van had become lodged under the bridge; despite the wording and warning that it is a LOW BRIDGE, written above the bridge in nice, bright luminous yellow letters (so you can’t miss it?) along with a warning sign letting drivers know of the height restriction. How many times do we read about bridge strikes?

Didn’t you see the signs?

Even with signs before the bridge, bright yellow writing, more signs, height restrictions and more signs, some folks seem to think they can just squeeze through (or maybe they just don’t see all those signs). They no doubt realise very quickly that no, a van with a height of 7’3” will not fit under a bridge with a height of 7 feet. No matter how much you want it to. That’ll be 4 flat tyres then to get you out; if you’re lucky.

Better check your insurance to see if it covers getting stuck in unusual places then. Luckily for you, it won’t take long at all with our quick 3-minute form.

Sorry for the ear worms this week folks!

Tag: #vandriver

Food for thought

Stuck in the middle with you

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