Van drivers more careful in their own vehicles

Van drivers admit to being more careful in their own vehicles

59% of those questioned by TomTom said they were more likely to speed or take risks in their work vehicles as a result of working time pressures

DO you drive as carefully in your work van as you do in your own car?

According to a new study by sat nav company TomTom, more than a third of van drivers – 39% – in the UK admit to taking less care when behind the wheel of their work vehicles than when driving their own cars.

The research revealed that 67% took more care to save money on fuel and vehicle wear and tear and 29% because of the absence of working time pressures.

But 59% of those questioned said they were more likely to speed or take risks in their work vehicles as a result of working time pressures.

According to Thomas Schmidt, TomTom Business Solutions’ managing director, a significant proportion of at-work drivers show clear awareness of the benefits of safe, efficient driving, that they apply in their personal vehicles, but working pressures are adversely affecting driving performance.

He told Business Vans: “Inefficient practice will have a negative impact on business profitability, as a result of higher fuel costs, lower productivity and an increased number of accidents. The onus is on employers to take action by encouraging higher standards behind the wheel and minimising the time pressures facing mobile workers.”

The study also found that three-quarters (75%) of respondents owned up to speeding in their work vehicles – 24% doing so regularly.

Schmidt said: “Greener, safer, more efficient driving practices require businesses to collaborate with their drivers. Appropriate fleet management technology can play a major role in this, offering clear management information and helping to raise awareness of responsible driving by providing real-time feedback to drivers.

This not only provides transparency on performance standards being measured but can also help companies target driver training where it is most needed.”

But only 20% of respondents said their company provided training to help them drive more safely and efficiently, while just 35% reported that their employers used technology to monitor driving performance and fuel efficiency.

Click here for more on van driving habits.

And read more about the FTA’s Van Excellence scheme.