Industry News from Yes Insurance

Van drivers are endangering their lives and the lives of others as the pressures of work force them to take more risks.

A new survey warns that unrealistic schedules and overbearing management are causing van drivers to travel too fast, not take breaks and drive dangerously, reports Fleet NewsNet.

A number of drivers admitted to eating while behind the wheel, as well as drinking and map reading as they do not have time to pull over.

To compound the already dangerous conditions, the majority of van drivers are working while tired as breaks are often seen as a luxury that cannot be afforded.

"Much of the time there is poor communication between managers and drivers," said the Living with the Van report, commissioned by Volkswagen.

"This needs to be improved. If management and staff cannot agree on what safety action is being taken in the company, all the policies, all the vetting and all the training schemes will have little effect."

Some companies were praised for their efforts in keeping drivers safe, however a large number were said to be failing their employees, which could lead to higher van insurance premiums.

Dedicated-driver companies, such as couriers, raised particular concern, with over half having no structured driver induction scheme in place.

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