Tips on van safety for businesses

Van safety matters to you, and it matters to us.

We know that if you’re driving a van that isn’t roadworthy or is overloaded, you could face a fine of up to £5,000. We also know that if your vehicle has serious mechanical defects or fails its MOT, it can be taken off the road—and if you don’t have a vehicle while your business is in operation, you can’t make money.

Van drivers are the backbone of the UK economy. They help keep our economy moving by transporting goods from A to B on a daily basis. But as much as they’re an integral part of our transport system, they’re also vulnerable to accidents on their journeys. That’s why we want every van driver to be aware of the dangers out there so they can protect themselves against them.

Here are 6 easy steps that Bluedrop Services recommend to ensure your van is properly maintained:

1. Avoid letting your load weigh you down

Before you load your van, you need to know how much weight it can carry. The weight of your van is listed on the vehicle identification number (VIN) plate. This plate contains the make and model of your van, its engine type and size, its body size and shape, as well as its unique VIN chassis number. It also lists the gross vehicle weight (GVW), which is the total weight of anything that can be carried in your van while it’s being driven: driver, passengers, and fuel included!

1. Don’t let your brake pads break your bank

The brakes on your vehicle are vital to your safety and the safety of other road users. Having a problem with your brakes can result in an accident, a fine, points on your licence, or even prosecution.

Each wheel is equipped with a brake disc, a brake calliper, and a pair of brake pads. As the brake pedal is pressed, the hydraulic fluid in the brake calliper presses the brake pads against the rotating brake disc to stop your car. The length of time a brake pad lasts depends on how you drive, the condition of the roads, and how often you drive your vehicle. Here are some signs that your brake pads need to be replaced:

Brake warning lights – Brake warning lights are the most obvious indication they need to be replaced. They alert you when brake pads need to be replaced on most vehicles. Some vehicles may not be equipped with this, so performing regular checks is imperative.

Brakes squeaking – Loud noises may indicate a need for replacement. It’s an indication that your brakes have completely worn out and need replacing.

Vehicle pull – Brake pads may be to blame if your vehicle pulls to one side while braking.

Brake pedal vibrations – Vibrations from the brake pedal could indicate excessive wear or damage.

3.       Sit safely, sit comfortably

One of the most important things to check is the seatbelts in your van. Make sure they are not damaged in any way and that they can secure your passengers properly.

1. Keep your tyres up to speed

A bad tyre can make driving unsafe and even illegal, as well as endanger other drivers. Three penalty points may be imposed on your licence if you drive with unsafe or illegal tyres.

To stay safe and legal, your tyres must:

• Have at least 1.6mm of tread depth
• Be inflated to the correct pressure
• Have no missing or loose wheel nuts
• Have no deep cuts in the sidewall
• Have no cord visible on the surface of the tyre

If you’re not sure what you’re looking for, or if there’s something in need of repair on your car’s tyres, you should get it checked out by a professional.

1. Light the way

The lights on your van are a safety feature. If they don’t work correctly, it could be dangerous to drive. The van’s headlights and indicators must function properly; the stop lights must activate when the brakes are applied; and the lenses must be clean and the correct colour. All dashboard warning lights must also be functioning.

1. Hit the road with multi-van insurance

No matter how careful you are, accidents can happen. From the office supplies you buy to the van you drive, everything should be as efficient and cost-effective as possible. That’s why multi-van insurance is such a great option.

Why settle for one van when you can protect your entire fleet? Multi-van insurance is perfect for businesses that own multiple vehicles and want to make sure they are all covered in case of an accident. Not only does multi-van insurance allow you to protect more vehicles than any other type of policy, but it also allows you to manage the cost of fixing or replacing those vehicles after an accident occurs.