Van drivers

More than half of van drivers admitted to making calls behind the wheel without using a hands-free device, according to Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles’ research.

Van drivers spend an average of 35 minutes on the phone each day in their vehicles, making an average of seven calls a day. One in 10 spend two hours on the phone while driving during the working day.

The results of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles’ investigation comes two years on from tougher laws governing the use of mobile phones. Since March 2017, driving while using a device – including making calls, texting, taking selfies or posting on social media – has carried a fine of £200 and a six penalty point endorsement on your licence. Being caught twice is enough to have your licence revoked.

Van drivers have been urged to bring their tools in from the cold to prevent thousands of pounds worth of damage as outdoor temperatures are set to plummet.

Vehicle leasing giant Leasevan.co.uk issued the advice after weather forecasters predicted a cold spell could be on the way with snow and ice warnings issued across the country.

Bitter temperatures are set to roll in as the MET Office warn another Beast from the East could be on its way.

This could see the country grind to a halt under another blanket of heavy snow and ice but for van drivers it is not just their daily commutes that are affected.

The experts have urged tradesmen to protect their tools from potentially damaging sub-zero temperatures by bringing them indoors at night.

Van and truck drivers are being warned to make sure their tyres are fit for winter conditions amid fears of increased accidents on icy roads.

Commercial vehicle leasing giant LeaseVan.co.uk claim drivers are 20% more likely to suffer a road accident during the winter months.

The company supplied thousands of vans to UK drivers each year and are warning their customers to make sure their tyres are fit for winter driving conditions.

This may mean changing their tyres altogether and replacing them with specialist winter treads, particularly if driving on remote country roads.