Simple guide to safer driving for business van drivers during winter

IF you hadn’t noticed, this week is Road Safety Week (21-27 November) – an idea promoted by the road safety charity Brake to reduce the level of accidents on our road.

And this cheeky chappy – Bright Van Man – is here to shine a light on safer driving practices for van drivers and van operators.

Bright Van Man is the sparkling idea of Northgate Vehicle Hire in association with road safety charity, Brake, full of bright ideas for driving safely in the winter months.

And here are six simple subjects for van drivers to remember – and for van fleet operators to communicate to their drivers in order to stay safer on the roads during the winter months.

Vision Remember vulnerable road users and approaching obstacles are more difficult to spot. Expect the unexpected!

Lights Always check your lights when approaching oncoming traffic to avoid ‘dazzling’. Remember, it’s illegal to drive without fully functioning front and rear lights.

Speed Drive at a speed that will allow you to react to unexpected hazards.

Distance Perception of distance is altered in the dark so extend the two second rule to three seconds.

Fatigue For long journeys take rests, or consider sharing the drive. Make sure you are well rested before a long nighttime journey. Plan your journeys.

Maintenance Vehicle maintenance – keep your washer fluid topped up and your vehicle in tip top condition. Ensure all lights are working.

Jonathan Pearce, campaign manager at Northgate Vehicle Hire, commented: “With the clocks going back and road casualty statistics showing that 40% of collisions occur in the hours of darkness, it’s more important than ever that we communicate the importance of driving safely, in the winter months especially, with our colleagues and customers. The Bright Van Man puts a lighthearted face to a serious message during Road Safety Week.”

You might also like to have a look at a Driver’s Guide with more Bright Van Man driving tips – including drink and drug driving, mobile phone use, driver fatigue, safe loading and speeding – which can be downloaded from a dedicated Road Safety Week page on Northgate’s website.