Independent van drivers and fleet operators could save over £500 annually per vehicle by adopting eco-driving techniques, according to new research from IAM RoadSmart.
The road safety charity analysed data from 4,500 participants in its ‘Driving for Work’ training programme and found that a single van driver could save £539 on fuel, £144 on tyres, and reduce CO2 emissions by 0.69 tonnes each year. These savings could be multiplied significantly across larger fleets.
The research also revealed that aggressive driving habits—such as harsh braking, rapid acceleration, and speeding—are not only costly but also contribute to the negative stereotype of the ‘white van man’. A separate survey of over 2,000 motorists found that van drivers are perceived as the most aggressive and least compliant with road rules.
Nicholas Lyes, director of policy and standards at IAM RoadSmart, said: “The findings from the data indicate that UK motorists feel that some van drivers can be quite aggressive, adopting dangerous and intimidating techniques like tailgating.
“While it’s understandable that some traders or couriers will spend lengthy periods of the day on the road leading to inevitable frustrations, this can lead to unsafe driving and increased costs. When the statistics show that work journeys account for nearly one in three deaths on UK roads, it is unsurprising that driving for work is one of the most dangerous activities workers can do.
“Driving aggressively is one of the most pointless things someone can do. It’s dangerous, stresses out the person doing it, angers other road users, costs you more money and will not get you where you want be any more quickly. In a nutshell, you are burning money, creating more emissions and risking a crash for absolutely no benefit.”
IAM RoadSmart is encouraging van drivers and businesses to consider its ‘Driving for Work’ course, which teaches eco-driving techniques that can lead to significant cost savings and improved safety. These techniques include maintaining steady speeds, smooth acceleration, and efficient gear use.
Lyes added: “The data from our Driving for Work course shows that those companies not taking fleet training seriously are essentially pouring money down the drain by letting negative driver behaviours go unaddressed. By investing in driving efficiency training, businesses can take impactful steps towards eliminating poor driver habits and begin unlocking the big savings that come in doing so. They’ll also be helping to keep their colleagues safer on the road.
“For independent traders it will help dispel the perception that many have that they are more aggressive than other road users, ridding themselves of the ‘white van man’ stereotype.”
IAM RoadSmart says that on-road training is the most effective way to improve driver behaviour, reduce collisions, and lower operational costs. The benefits extend to improved fuel efficiency, reduced vehicle wear, and a more relaxed driving experience.
