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Archive for the ‘Safety’ Category

Ford Transit still popular with everyone – including thieves

Tuesday, September 6th, 2011

A recent report from a firm specialising in providing vehicle histories, highlights the dangers van drivers can encounter when covering a used van with online van insurance.

Fraudsters commonplace

Hire Purchase Information (HPI) have recently disclosed just how many fraudsters are involved in the used van business and how careful a prospective buyer has to be. According to the report 6% of all used vans sold have been involved in a serious accident and have been written off by business van insurance support workers in the past. Unscrupulous dealers have then obtained new plates for the vans and sold them off to unsuspecting victims.

Clocking, cloning and changing plates are all rife

The company also warn van buyers that around 14% of vans they check still have finance outstanding on them and that 8% have had a number plate change at some time in their life. The illegal practice of “clocking” a vehicle is still rife according to HPI. This is when dealers lower the mileage on the odometer of the vehicle by tinkering around under the bonnet. The practice is well known and has been illegal for many years. Cloned vehicles are also another danger buyers have to look out for. This occurs when a van cobbled together by fraudsters is given the identity of another van. It sounds implausible but has fooled many buyers over the years.

Transit vulnerable to the criminal element

The report also shows that the Ford Transit is not only popular with its owners but also with thieves. Almost 1 in 5 of light commercial vehicles stolen is a transit and it is in fact the most common vehicle to be stolen in any class, with the Land Rover not far behind. The transit is also the van most likely to have goods stolen from it. HPI point out that not only vehicle owners should be aware of this, but also prospective buyers. They also point out that an HPI check carried out before any purchase should stop the would be buyer from making such a dreadful mistake.

Tags: Ford Transit, Online Van Insurance, Thieves, Van Insurance
Posted in Safety, Van Insurance | No Comments »

York arson attacks add to catalogue of damage

Thursday, August 18th, 2011

It has been a bad August for both van drivers and van insurance companies. With very little respite in the price of fuel and little prospect of road taxes or insurance coming down anyone who uses their van to make a living has found 2011 a bit of a challenge. Van insurance brokers are finding it more and more difficult to find their customers a better quote than their renewal quote and many professional drivers are now resorting to the internet and online van insurance comparison sites to make savings.

Nationwide unrest will cost millions

Insurance providers have been inundated with claims as a result of the widespread unrest across the cities and major towns of the UK throughout August. The well documented riots in London, Manchester and Birmingham saw many vans and trucks damaged or totally written off by the uncontrollable mobs, but elsewhere in the same period vans came under attack from criminal elements.

Arsonists strike in the dead of night

Only last Monday a small Yorkshire city was the scene of an attack totalling well over a hundred thousand pounds worth of damage to vans. Residents of York were awakened in the night by a series of explosions that emanated from vans that had been set alight by unknown criminals. The arsonists struck at two different locations in the quiet city and were very successful; they managed to completely wreck five vans and severely damaged two others. Six of the vehicles were parked up on an industrial estate while the other one was parked on a public road. Police are baffled by the crimes because there were no other civil disturbances in the city that night.

Van drivers asked to be vigilant

Police officers in the city do not believe the incidents are connected to the disturbances in other cities carried out in the previous week but are wondering if the criminals used the riots as a “smokescreen” to perpetrate their deeds. Van drivers in the area of Layerthorpe have been warned to be alert to the danger of arson over the next few days, make sure they have vehicle insurance and have been asked to take extra care on where they park their vehicles. Those who can park their vans under cover have been asked to do so.

Tags: Arson, Crime, Van Insurance, York
Posted in Safety, Van Crime, commercial vehicle insurance | No Comments »

European van drivers welcome van speed limiters

Tuesday, May 24th, 2011

It seems now just a matter of time before the debate on speed limiters for vans takes place in the UK after yet another European country followed the lead of Germany. The motorists of Italy followed their German cousins by indicating in a survey that they would welcome speed governors on vans.

Vive La Difference?

It will also come as a gentle reminder to those with commercial vehicle insurance that covers them for travel in a foreign country that rules and regulations differ from border to border.

Not a new topic

The issue of speed limiters for vans was first aired many years ago in Europe. The fact that there is no official speed limit on some autobahns and auto strata’s meant that the damage caused by heavy goods vehicles crashing when travelling at speed was the sort of horrific accident that often made the headlines. Lorries were eventually fitted with limiters at 100 kph and now the same speed maximum is recommended for vans.

German agreement across the board

In Germany last year a survey of its readers by Autobild, the most prestigious auto magazine in Germany, found an overwhelming majority of motorists favoured the fitting of speed limiters on vans. The results of the survey were even repeated in a transport industry magazine. The fact that van drivers with van insurance were in favour of fitting the devices put German politicians under pressure to lobby the idea at the European commission.

Safety aspect overwhelming

Of course van drivers now live in a world where decisions are based on ecological data as much as engineering and the fact that limiters set at 100kph cuts carbon emissions by around 7% is enough to vindicate the measure. Surely a more vital statistic is the fact that accident assessors reckon the limiters will cut van accidents virtually in half. Now that is impressive.

Italian entry in the debate may bring decision closer

Impressive enough to persuade the Italian authorities to go down the same path as the Germans. A survey conducted by a well known market research company has mirrored the survey carried out by Autobild in Germany, and now the European commissioners responsible for transport regulation are expected to introduce the limiters sooner rather than later.

Tags: Autobild, commercial vehicle insurance, Europe, Germany, Speed limiters
Posted in Safety, Van Insurance, commercial vehicle insurance | No Comments »

Majority of fleets maintaining driver training

Tuesday, May 17th, 2011

Despite the austerity measures cutting deep into the transport industry in the UK it appears that van drivers and other drivers for logistics companies are finding their employers are still committed to helping them become better drivers.

Industry survey

A survey carried out by the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) found that a high number of van drivers have not found their employers cutting back on their training. At a time when companies are looking to cut costs on a whole number of aspects of their business, including fuel usage and fleet van insurance, it is heartening to see that responsible employers appreciate the value of highly skilled drivers.

Levels maintained or increased by majority

The survey consulted 600 CILT members and found that over 60% said that training had either stayed at the same level or actually increased over the last three years. This, at a time when logistics companies have felt the cold wind of recession buffeting their businesses like never before. It is a hard fact that well trained drivers can boost the profitability of a transport business but in a time of austerity many companies choose to ignore this fact.

Funding available for those who need it

In fact hauliers can still take advantage of the Governments Apprentice Training Fund although this will finish soon. Of course the Freight Traders Association has been promoting their Van Excellence scheme for some time now, and companies throughout the UK are experiencing ancillary benefits such as reduced commercial vehicle insurance policies because their skilled drivers are now having fewer accidents, treating their vehicles in a more considered way and driving in a manner that cuts down on fuel use.

Some would like to see further improvements

It really can be a win win situation for companies who employ drivers, but there is one note of caution that comes out of the CILT survey, and that is despite over 60% saying there had been no reduction in training, 4 out of 10 surveyed said that in their opinion the level of training was still not enough. Of course there is always room for improvement but the survey does suggest that the majority of hauliers do have their priorities right when it comes to assessing the value of a good driver for their business.

Tags: Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport, driver training, Van Insurance
Posted in Safety, Van Insurance, commercial vehicle insurance | No Comments »

Consequences of driver fatigue are serious

Thursday, May 5th, 2011

Falling asleep or becoming overly fatigued while driving any kind of vehicle is one of the most dangerous things a driver can do. Driver fatigue can be experienced by casual drivers or professional van drivers and is a major cause of accidents and fatalities throughout the United Kingdom.

Not just a case of dropping off

The term “driver fatigue” does not have to mean that the driver has fallen asleep behind the wheel. It refers to any degree of tiredness that the driver has on their journey. This could mean anything from boredom, to the driver actually losing consciousness at the wheel. It is vital to note this definition and for all drivers to realize that it is not just lack of sleep that can cause problems, they can also be caused by disinterest or even a lack of attention. If the vehicle is in an accident and it is proven that fatigue was the cause, any commercial vehicle insurance policy may be void.

Penalties are harsh

Accidents are caused by tiny changes in the driver’s ability to react to what happens on the road. Fatigue will affect the driver’s reaction time and if the van is moving at a high speed even the slightest delay in reaction can cause an accident. Fatigue will also affect the driver’s ability to pay full attention to what is happening on the road as well as altering the driver’s ability to process information and then make a split second decision while driving. Falling asleep at the wheel is a driving offence. It can lead to disqualification from driving, 3 to 11 penalty points on a driving licence and could even result in the loss of a job, vehicle and independence not to mention more expensive van insurance cover.

Cause of numerous accidents

Driver fatigue is a serious problem resulting in many thousands of road accidents each year. It is not always possible to calculate the exact number of fatigue related accidents because it is difficult to know for sure if fatigue was a factor. The early hours of the morning and the middle of the afternoon are thought to be the peak times for fatigue accidents. Drivers on long journeys on monotonous roads, such as motorways, are the most likely to lose concentration.

Ways to stay fresh and alert

There are proven ways to counteract the problem. Before any long journey always get a good night’s sleep. If possible plan the journey to make sure regular breaks can be taken. Understand the risk that illness or medication will add to potential fatigue and understand the warning signs of becoming tired. Never start a long private journey after a full days work and if at all possible share the driving. Warning signs to look out for include finding it difficult to keep eyes open, having difficulty focusing the eyes, daydreaming, yawning, and being irritable and restless.

Tags: Accidents, Safety, Van Insurance
Posted in Advice, Law, Safety, Van Insurance, commercial vehicle insurance | No Comments »

Honda comes unstuck using wrong glue

Thursday, March 31st, 2011

Ask a van driver how his main vehicle is put together and the chances are he will scratch his head a little before answering. He may be well versed in the Highway Code and he will more than likely know the best place to get good commercial vehicle insurance, his map reading skills too will be finely honed but how is his vehicle fastened together?

Yet another recall

Most would hazard a guess at a huge amount of welding plus a few well placed nuts and bolts, but if the latest model recall by a well known manufacturer is anything to go by, it is glued! Or at least a part of it is.

Honda has just announced a recall of the very popular Odyssey van from the 2011 range. The reason for the recall is a fault in the doors adjacent to the driver and front passenger. Apparently all manner of things could go wrong with the doors including; they can come of their runners/tracks which will prevent anyone inside opening or closing the windows. They could completely fall down into the door or just shatter, the Japanese manufacturer has seen fit to recall all models that could possibly be affected and replace the faulty parts.

Sticky problem

The reason behind the recall is that the fluid or glue that is used to prime the windows before fastening clips are attached was the wrong type. As a result of the mistake the clips can detach from the window leaving anyone in the car exposed to the problems mentioned above. Honda report that almost 100 customers had claimed on their van warranty with problems relating to the fault. The manufacturer deemed it serious enough to recall any vans that could be affected. Owners will be invited to take them back to a Honda garage from mid April.

Recall could affect popularity

The Odyssey is a popular van and many tradesmen have taken business van insurance policies out on them. Honda will be concerned that the recall may affect their place in the van rankings, but customers will get the new window glass free of charge and it should not be a long process.

Tags: commercial vehicle insurance, Honda, Honda Vans, Honda Vans Recalled, Vans Recalled
Posted in Safety | No Comments »

Van drivers warned slack parking could easily backfire

Tuesday, March 29th, 2011

At a time when jobs are at a premium, and securing work to keep their vans with enough orders to keep their business ticking over is paramount, van drivers are facing an old hazard in a new and more expensive form.

Security all important

For many years trade vans and home delivery vans have always been susceptible to the cunning thief. There are signs on the backs of white vans all over the UK saying, “No tools are kept in this vehicle overnight.” Van drivers are also well versed in unloading their van at the end of the working day, and securing any plant or goods carried on top throughout the day. Low cost van insurance cannot be found anywhere unless the afore mentioned security measures are carried out, along of course with other measures.

Exhausts now the target

The latest piece of valuable van equipment to attract thieves is not on top of the van or even inside it, it is, in actual fact below it. The latest target, believe it or not, is the humble catalytic converter. Over the last few weeks the theft of catalytic converters from the exhaust systems of vans has been steadily increasing and over the last weekend it has turned into a flood. Van drivers across the country have gone out to their vehicles and heard an almighty racket when turning the ignition key on their vehicle.

Over the weekend vans as far apart as Glasgow, Grantham and Gloucestershire have been vandalised by thieves stripping the exhaust systems from the car and heading off to the nearest scrap yard. Of course any van driver who depends on his vehicle to make a living will be covered for the damage by his commercial van insurance policy but that is only half of the story.

Added costs make drivers fume

The frustration of coming out for a day’s work only to find you have been the victim of thieves is frustrating enough but couriers, hauliers and tradesman often bank on their reputation to make a good living. This sort of theft can cost a van driver not only business on the day but also the chance of losing repeat business because he could not do the job. On top of that a claim on any UK van insurance policy will usually mean an inflated quote the following year.

Van drivers must heed the warnings of police forces across the country and try and park in a secure place at all times.

Tags: Stolen Exhausts, Van Crime, Van Insurance, Van Safety
Posted in Safety, Van Insurance | No Comments »

Ford announce plans to install ECOnetic technology across van range

Tuesday, March 1st, 2011

The world’s biggest van manufacturer is convinced the new generation of electric vehicles are here to stay, and that commercial van insurance will increasingly be sought on zero emission vehicles, but they also believe that better design in conventional technology still has a place in the market. Ford say sales of its one-tonne ECOnetic Transit are increasing and they recognise that commercial fleets want even more options, particularly for their medium wheelbase models. ECOnetic not only improves fuel consumption by over 10% there is also an identical reduction in CO2 emissions.

Value for money

The state of the art Ford 2011 Transit has a new Euro5 engine and will come with multiple ECOnetic variants. The 260SWB model will have guaranteed fuel savings of £1100 over their current Eco version (based on 80,000 miles) while the new ECOnetic 350LWB High Roof, rear-wheel drive will, over a distance of 80,000 miles give fuel savings of nearly £4,000 compared to their non-ECOnetic variant. With fuel prices showing no sign of ever going down and the current crisis in North Africa and the Middle East threatening another huge round of increases, saving fuel is now as important as having cheap van insurance. Ford admits that all the ECOnetic versions carry a price premium but this will be more than offset by the fuel savings.

Simply the best

Interest from fleets has been high in Ford’s ECOnetic van but the manufacturer believes that dealers need to be proactive to convert interest into sales. They intend to increase training for sales teams so that they fully understand the technology. Ford ECOnetic is a whole new approach to the way cars are designed and built. The philosophy of ECOnetic is simple, to create cars and vans that are fuel efficient without compromising the driving experience. Crucially for Ford they do not have to rely on different fuels or expensive batteries. It’s all simply smart ideas and clever refinements.

Sales team fully informed

A spokesman for Ford commercial vehicles said there was a real demand from customers for information on the technology surrounding new vehicles and they were determined to have salespeople who can deliver the information knowledgeably.

Uptake of the ECOnetic vans will help Ford meet the tough new CO2 emissions targets which were recently announced by the European Commission. Ford predicts the market for their commercial vans this year will increase by 5% and heavy by 1%.

Tags: ECOnetic technology, Ford
Posted in Safety, Van Insurance, commercial vehicle insurance | No Comments »

Drivers tyred of pothole damage

Friday, February 25th, 2011

Van drivers can be perhaps forgiven a little today if their attention is turned to their vehicles tyres. Of course many van drivers spend long hours on the roads of the UK every day, many listen to the radio and for the last 24 hours van tyres have cropped up more than once in conversations on the airwaves.

Hot air

The hot topic over the last couple of days on quite a few media outlets has been the subject of potholes. The very word is enough to send some van drivers into apoplexies of anger. Nothing, especially since the demise of speed traps and cowboy clampers, is guaranteed to upset a working van driver more than potholes. Well maybe vehicle insurance does upset some equally but by and large potholes are appallingly vexing.

Potholes have been at the heart of the nations radio wavelengths this week due to the Governments announcement of an extra £100 million in grants to help local councils mend their patchwork quilts, err sorry, roads. Every van driver and indeed motorist in general, is aware of how badly the weather affected our roads in December of 2010 and so surely we should all be grateful for the Governments generosity to our councils. Not on your Nelly!

£100 million will not scratch the surface

Council chiefs have been lining up to say the extra money is more or less the same amount of extra money they get most years from the Government and so is not extra money at all. They reckon the maintenance bill will run into billions and the £100 million is simply not enough. Van drivers, held up in queues probably caused by a vehicle hitting a rut in the road and losing a wheel, have phoned up in their hundreds to tell DJ’s to tell the councils to get the roads fixed before they stop paying their road tax, meanwhile shares in tarmac producing companies rocket at the same rate as those who produce oil.

Transport Minister Philip Hammond recognised that many commercial vehicle insurance claims are caused by potholes and said the £100 million of extra money would be shared equally around the country; he seemed to ignore one wag behind him who said the extra money would be like pouring cash into a black hole!

Tags: Information, pothole damage, tyre care, tyres, van, Van Insurance
Posted in Safety, commercial vehicle insurance | No Comments »

Government road safety campaign awaits final figures

Thursday, January 27th, 2011

The Government’s THINK! Road Safety campaign is becoming more relevant than ever with many town and county councils across the UK thinking of turning off their static speed cameras. Local Authorities are suffering under the massive budget cuts imposed on them by Whitehall and just like a van driver seeking a good deal on his van insurance they are looking at ways in which to save money.

Unfortunately it appears that road safety may well be one of the early casualties in the scramble to survive, and many charities and organisations set up to improve the public awareness of accidents on the Public Highway are dismayed at the decision to turn off the cameras.

The THINK! road safety campaign has always been keen to promote the idea that everyone is involved in making the roads of the UK safer, not just van drivers and motorists in general but also pedestrians, horse riders, motorcyclists and anyone else who uses the streets of Britain to go about their business.

What is the aim of the campaign?

It started off with the premise of cutting the rate of deaths and serious injuries on the roads of the UK by 50% for children and 40% overall. The campaign took the figures of 1994 as the start line and the end of 2010 has the finishing line. The results will be announced soon and many observers think the target will have been reached.

When cheap van insurance becomes unimportant

It has not been an easy road for the campaign to travel down. They have used emotive campaigns throughout the media to convey the devastation a family feels when they have lost a loved one. They have also aimed campaigns at drivers, pointing out the folly of drink driving and one in particular at a van driver who realised that he would probably lose his job because he had decided to take a chance. The campaign made the most of the fact that losing your licence and seeing a hike in your commercial vehicle insurance was nothing compared to injuring another person or losing your job.

The basic concept behind all the campaigns has been right there in the title, they ask the public to THINK. Statistics show that most accidents don’t “just happen”. There is nearly always a human reason/fault behind the majority of accidents and by taking care and just thinking about ones actions, many accidents can be avoided.

Tags: Advice, commercial vehicle insurance, road safety, road safety campaign
Posted in Safety, commercial vehicle insurance | No Comments »