National Highways

Did you know? MOT Tests - Half of all vans fail their MOT at the first attempt. Two thirds of vans stopped at the roadside by the DVSA have a serious mechanical defect. You are responsible - It is the driver’s responsibility to ensure the vehicle is safe and roadworthy... Learn more and share with your drivers - access all 36 modules of the free Van Driver Toolkit here.

Did you know?

• Drivers face fines up to £2,500, a ban from driving and 3 penalty points for driving a vehicle in a dangerous condition.
• Wearing a seat belt is law and can result in fines of up to £500 and 3 penalty points if not wearing a seat belt when supposed to.
• Airbags reduce fatalities by 24% in head-on collisions.
• 1 in 4 deaths involving vehicles driving for work.

Drivers should take the time to read the vehicle manual and familiarise themselves with any safety aids. 50% of drivers do not understand their...   Learn more and share with your drivers - access all 36 modules of the free Van Driver Toolkit here.

Did you know?

• Theft of vans has been increasing over the last 5 years. Over 8,000 vans are stolen each year.
• Thefts from vans is also a massive problem with over 28,000 thefts per year.
• Most thefts from a van occur where the driver parks at home.
• Thefts of contents are often opportunistic and may occur kerbside when the vehicle is being used.

Theft of content from vans, often tools and packages for delivery, frequently cause significant damage to the vehicle and make it undriveable. Criminals have developed sophisticated techniques aimed at...   Learn more and share with your drivers - access all 36 modules of the free Van Driver Toolkit here.

Did you know?

• Leaving the engine running while stationary, or ‘engine idling’ to defrost windows is an offence under Rule 123 of The Highway Code and authorities have the power to issue £20 fixed penalties for any contravention.
• Rule 229 of the Highway Code says: “Before you set off you MUST be able to see, so clear all snow and ice from all your windows.” If the windscreen is obstructed in any way, the police can fine drivers £60.

  Learn more and share with your drivers - access all 36 modules of the free Van Driver Toolkit here

Working with the National Highways Commercial Vehicle Incident Prevention Team, we have produced a van driver handbook to assist van drivers and fleet operators in dispelling uncertainty and myth. You can also share the online Van Driver Toolkit with your drivers, or you may prefer to share individual modules whenever you want to check understanding of best practice, or reinforce your driving for work policies. The Van Driver Handbook will help you implement best practice for what is required to reduce costs, improve operating conditions and ensure safe and legal vehicles and wellbeing for your drivers.

TV advert reminding motorists of the importance of conducting vehicle checks before setting off on a long journey.

This document is for commercial vehicle drivers and fleet operators and aims to highlight the importance of preventing and minimising diesel spillages on the SRN.

Driving is one of the most complex tasks we do in everyday life. It requires attention, decision-making, situational awareness and physical coordination. Several factors can impact on our ability to perform at our best when we are driving. One of these factors is driver fatigue.