Van drivers are being urged to keep cool during Summer

With summer now officially here, van drivers are being urged to take precautions to ensure that they are not becoming overtired and fatigued in the hot weather.

Safety organisation RoSPA suggests that 20% of road accidents on major roads are fatigue related and, with temperatures rising and the resultant muggy British weather potentially raising stress levels in the heavily congested UK towns and cities, van drivers could find themselves overheating and losing their cool.

In these types of conditions drivers can feel sleepy or irritable, which will affect concentration particularly if they are coming to the end of a long stint. Hot weather is also frequently a factor in road rage incidents.

Octagon insurance, a company that offers commercial vehicle cover, said, “Whether you are employed as a driver, getting mandatory paid breaks, or self-employed, you should look after yourself behind the wheel. Tiredness can kill, so if you feel yourself becoming tired, take a break from your driving. Leave your van, have something to eat and perhaps close your eyes for a short nap until you feel refreshed.

“It is always tempting to squeeze the maximum out of your day, especially if it is your own business, but if you injure yourself or write off your van by driving when you are too tired, you will end up getting far less done in the long run.”

Although, the most basic cure for fatigue is sleep, efficient air conditioning can help keep drivers fresh and alert whilst driving and help to provide a more comfortable working environment, boosting safety as well as employee productivity.

One of the manufacturers getting behind the message is Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, which has launched a scheme encouraging operators to get the air conditioning systems serviced in their vans.

Transport News Brief 8.6.16