Two in five van drivers face regular abuse from | Tech News

Two in five van drivers say they ‘frequently’ obtain abuse from different motorists. A ballot of 1,000 van drivers discovered many have been sworn at, subjected to obscene gestures, and even threatened with bodily violence in the previous 12 months. The majority (79 per cent) consider this hostility stems from adverse stereotypes about  van drivers, with practically half adamant that their repute for being unhealthy drivers, catcallers, or aggressive on the highway is undeserved.

In reality, 53 per cent consider they’re more expert than the average motorist, arguing that driving a van is more difficult than a customary car. And 67 per cent say they make a aware effort to be thoughtful – letting different drivers in and permitting pedestrians to cross.

Nicola Dobson, managing director of PEUGEOT UK, which commissioned the analysis, stated: “It’s time for the outdated stereotypes of van drivers to be re-evaluated.We know that almost all of van drivers take delight in their vehicle and are among the many most expert and thoughtful drivers on the highway.”

The examine discovered 73 per cent of van drivers really feel misunderstood by the public; a determine that rises to 78 per cent amongst those that drive electric vans.

The most common stereotypes had been ‘aggressive behaviour’ (46 per cent), ‘poor driving’ (43 per cent), and ‘having dirty or untidy vehicles’ (35 per cent).

But nearly all (96 per cent) say conserving their van clean and well-maintained is important, with 73 per cent cleansing it a minimum of as soon as a week. Electric van drivers are even more fastidious, with 89 per cent tidying their vehicle weekly.

A scruffy van is a no-go for many, with 86 per cent saying it might mirror badly on them in the event that they turned up to work in a soiled vehicle. But consideration to element goes past appearances, 66 per cent examine for upkeep points more than as soon as a week, and 70 per cent say security is their high precedence.

Public notion clearly has an affect as 63 per cent admit it impacts how they drive, and 88 per cent really feel strain to be additional cautious behind the wheel. In reality, 71 per cent really feel the need to defend their driving means every time they get in their van.

There’s a silver lining for electric van drivers as 64 per cent really feel they’re seen in a higher gentle since switching from petrol or diesel, and 56 per cent say they’re considered positively when charging in public.

The analysis follows the extension of the Government’s plug-in van grant for electric vans till 2027 – which the PEUGEOT E-PARTNER, E-EXPERT and E-BOXER are all eligible for.

Nicola Dobson added: “As a leader in the electric van market with three fully electric models, it’s encouraging to see electric van drivers reporting a positive shift in perceptions since going electric.

“We are committed to supporting van drivers and promoting a more positive experience for them on the UK’s roads.”