If you’re out in your van day in, day out then driving is probably second nature to you by now. But it’s vital that as you go about your daily business you remain alert to the road, its conditions and other users.

According to Think! Road Safety around 200 road deaths and serious injuries each week involve someone driving for work so it’s essential that whatever else is going on in your life is put to one side so you can focus on the job in hand – driving safely. The repercussions for driving badly are costly – lost lives and livelihoods, prosecutions and increased van insurance premiums to name but a few.

Speeding

Believe it or not, speeding laws aren’t designed to make you late for your next job. They’re there to protect drivers and other road users. According to RCGB (Road Casualties Great Britain) (2008) ‘Speed is still one of the biggest contributory factors in fatal road accidents. In 2008, 4,685 people were killed or seriously injured (KSI) in crashes where a speed contributory factor was reported; 586 of these were fatalities.’

By breaking speed limits you’re also risking fines, penalty points, a potential driving ban, other driving-related prosecutions and increased van insurance premiums.

Did you know?

! The national speed limits for vans are different from those for cars, depending on the road you are on.*

*An exception to this is car-derived vans that are goods vehicles developed from a passenger vehicle and have a maximum authorised mass (MAM) of no more than 2,000 kg.

Speed limits for vans

Single Carriageways - vans may be driven up to 50 mph on single carriageways.

Dual Carriageways - vans may be driven up to 60 mph on dual carriageways.

Motorways - vans may be driven up to 70 mph on motorways unless you are towing a trailer in which case the limit is 60 mph. If you’re towing a trailer then you cannot use the outside lane if there are three or more lanes in use in the same direction.

Locally set speed limits - where lower locally set speed limits are in place you must drive within those limits.

Remember, the speed limit is designed as a maximum. Other factors such as the weather, the road surface and other road users will affect the speed at which it is safe for you to drive. Also, just because you’re driving within the speed limit it doesn’t necessarily mean you’re driving safely for the traffic you’re in. Driving too slowly could also be hazardous.

Road conditions

Weather, road surface and road layout all affect the speed at which it is safe for you to drive. Swot up on your Highway Code for all you need to know about signs, stopping distances and hazards.

Other factors

Other factors affect the safety of your driving. For information about mobile phones, tiredness, drink and drugs, maps, cyclists, pedestrians, motorcyclists and horses see our article on Road Safety: Distractions.

Accidents do happen

It’s essential that you have adequate van insurance; http://www.directline.com/van/welcome.htm that meets your needs because even when you’re driving within the limits accidents can and do happen. You can control the way you drive but unfortunately you can’t control other drivers’ speed and behavior.

If you’re an iPhone user and insured with Direct Line then should the worst happen you can kick-start your claim by using our latest free On the Road app.

It’s also important to remember that if you’re found guilty of a speed-related or other driving-related offence then you must report this to your insurer. Failure to do so could invalidate your insurance.

Driving within the speed limits and being alert to what’s going on around you should go some way to keeping you safe on the road as you go about your day-to-day business.

Direct line provides cheap van insurance: http://www.directline.com/, including cover for commercial use. Visit Direct Line for an instant quote now.