5 Essential Van Safety Tips for Drivers
Driving a van for the first time can be intimidating, especially if you are used to driving smaller vehicles. However, having the necessary preparation and knowledge can make it easier than you think.
Whether you’re using a van for work or personal use, there are some things about driving a van that are different from driving a car, and that’s where it affects your safety.
From readjusting your position to understanding the braking distance, here are five practical tips to help you stay safe and confident when driving a van.
1. Get Comfortable Before You Start
Before hitting the road, make sure that you are comfortable and fully adjusted to your driving position. With the position of vans higher than most cars, you need to get used to such a height to give you better visibility. The first thing should be to ensure that the seat is adjusted correctly. The height and angle of the seat should be properly positioned to have a complete view of the road ahead while being fully in control of the vehicle.
You should have clear views of the road and area that surrounds you, especially at the mirrors.
In addition to seating adjustment, check your mirrors before you head out. Mirrors are a safety feature of your van, as the larger size will obstruct your view more than that of a normal automobile.
Visibility is one of the principal differences when driving a van. Because you’re sitting higher in the driver’s seat, your line of sight is different. This means you may need to adjust both the height of your seat and the position of your mirrors for maximum visibility.
Lastly, before you depart, you must plan your route. It is always better to have at least two routes plotted on your sat-nav: one primary route and another alternative route in case road closures or detours occur.
2. Keep an Eye on Your Pace and Braking Distance
Driving a van is unlike driving a car. The main variation between a van and a car is its weight. Vans are much larger and heavier than a car, which has a big effect on how the vehicle accelerates, brakes, and handles the road. To illustrate, the braking distance of a van exceeds that of the car. The weight and size of the cargo, often bigger, allow for more time and space for it to come to a complete stop.
A Volkswagen study shows that if the speed is 30 mph, the braking distance increases by approximately two meters when driving a packed van compared to an empty van. When the speed doubles to 60 mph, the braking distance increases to five meters. Therefore, always be aware of how much extra space you will need to stop when driving a fully loaded van.
Resist the temptation to drive too fast, especially in unknown areas. Driving slowly gives you extra time to react to hazards, which can help prevent preventing accidents.
3. Watch for Height and Width
One big area of difference is the vehicle’s size. A van is much taller and wider than a car, which can be the source of many problems when driving through small spaces or tight areas that have low clearances. Therefore, know the exact dimensions of your van in terms of height and width before you start on your journey. Knowing the size of your vehicle will help prevent problems at places with low bridges, underpasses, or tight parking spaces.
The second variable that can impact your safety is width dimensions. Always check your outer mirrors for clear views of the space on either side of you. A larger van often needs more space to make turns, so adjust your driving by slowing down in terms of narrow roads or tight corners.
Knowing the length of your van allows you to make wise decisions about parking, passing, and avoiding other objects or obstacles. If you are ever unsure whether your van can fit in a particular space, it is always better to be safe than sorry and take a different route.
4. Secure Your Load Properly
Van safety is not only the way you drive but also the way you load up in your van. A badly loaded van can be unsafe to the driver and to others on the road. Overloading a van affects its performance and makes braking and maneuvering difficult. In extreme cases, it may lead to an accident. Each van has a specified weight limit that must not be exceeded, and that information can usually be found on the van’s identification plate.
Always distribute the weight evenly and safely while loading into your van. Heavy items should be at the bottom to prevent the vehicle from toppling. It is also important to tie loose items to prevent them from moving during transit. Loosely carried cargo is a serious threat to your safety and could also cause damage to the van and other vehicles when it falls out.
Everything in the van should be secured, and it should be ensured it is not overloaded beyond its weight capacity.
5. Check Blind Spots and Use Your Mirrors
Because vans are much larger than cars, they have much larger blind spots, especially when changing lanes or turning. Always ensure that your mirrors are set before you start. The side mirrors and rearview mirror should be set. Some of the larger van models do not have a centre rearview mirror, so you would depend more on your side mirrors for rear visibility.
Keep an eye out for blind spots, especially when changing lanes or making a turn while driving. An easy way to prevent accidents is to look over your shoulder before cutting into another lane or merging, making sure you see your surroundings.
By paying attention to your blind spots and using your mirrors correctly, you reduce the risk of accidents caused by poor visibility.
Conclusion
In conclusion, driving a van requires more alertness and preparation than driving a normal car. By setting up your seat and mirrors appropriately, being vigilant about your speed and braking distance, knowing the dimensions of your van, tying your load, and checking your blind spots, you can greatly enhance your safety on the road.
Along with these practical driving dos and don’ts, you will feel more confident and reduce the risks involved in driving a van.
