In a recent question in the House of Commons, Lord Bradshaw asked how many people were killed or seriously injured in the 37 accidents in 2008 that may have been avoided if the LGV involved had been fitted with retro-reflective conspicuity markings and what was the cost to the country.

The answer from Lord Adonis (Secretary of State for Transport) was that there were 48 fatalities and 19 serious injuries. However, fitting such markings would not prevent all such crashes (nor would it have necessarily have prevented these) as other factors could be involved such as excessive speed, lack of concentration etc.

It was also not possible to calculate the actual cost to the country of these crashes but using average values the cost of the 37 accidents was around £70 million.

A poll by Express Insurance shows the stereotype of ‘White Van Man’ being partial to the odd fry-up, a bet on the horses and a smoking habit to rival a 1970s Beagle to be more than a little exaggerated. The research  was conducted to see whether the image of the UK’s van drivers had evolved since radio presenter, Sarah Kennedy, first coined the phrase ‘White Van Man’ back in 1997.

According to the survey of more than 1000 van drivers across the country a healthy cereal breakfast, regular exercise and exotic holidays are all part and parcel of the life of the White Van Man in 2010.

The survey revealed that more 40 per cent visit the gym on a regular basis and now enjoyed holidaying in Latin America, South East Asia and the Caribbean.

Only 8 per cent of those asked said that the day had to start with a cooked breakfast, just 27 per cent smoke and spending time with the family was the number one pastime.

Some things don’t change. Football remains the favorite sport and action and comedy films are still preferred to costume dramas and romantic comedies.

Following a review of the 7600 drivers who took part in the SAFED for vans scheme in the last two years have shown that:
• Drivers report an improvement of 16% in mpg
• This translates to an average potential saving of £425 per driver per year.
• There is a potential reduction of 9325 tonnes of CO2
• A 33% reduction in gear changes
• 60% fewer driver errors
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