Skip to main content

UK van drivers drive more carefully in their personal vehicles

A new study by TomTom indicates that more than a third (39 per cent) of UK van drivers admit to driving more carefully when using their personal vehicle. The research, conducted among light commercial vehicle (LCV) drivers, found 67 per cent of those did so to save money on fuel and vehicle wear and tear and 29 per cent because of the absence of working time pressures.
September 13, 2013 Read time: 2 mins
A new study by 1692 TomTom indicates that more than a third (39 per cent) of UK van drivers admit to driving more carefully when using their personal vehicle.

The research, conducted among light commercial vehicle (LCV) drivers, found 67 per cent of those did so to save money on fuel and vehicle wear and tear and 29 per cent because of the absence of working time pressures.

In addition, 59 per cent said they were more likely to speed or take risks in their work vehicles as a result of working time pressures.

The study also found that three-quarters (75 per cent) of respondents admit to speeding in their work vehicles, with 24 per cent doing so regularly.

However, only 20 per cent of respondents said their company provides training to help them drive more safely and efficiently and just 35 per cent claim their employers use technology to monitor driving performance and fuel efficiency.

“A significant proportion of at-work drivers demonstrate clear awareness of the benefits of safe, efficient driving, which is applied in their personal vehicles – but working pressures are adversely affecting performance,” said Thomas Schmidt, TomTom Business Solutions’ Managing Director. “The onus is on employers to take action by encouraging higher standards behind the wheel and minimising the time pressures facing mobile workers.”

“Appropriate fleet management technology can play a major role in this, offering clear management information and helping to raise awareness of responsible driving by providing real-time feedback to drivers. This not only provides transparency on performance standards being measured but can also help companies target driver training where it is most needed,” said Schmidt

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • Camera technology a flexible and cost-effective option
    June 7, 2012
    Perceptions of machine vision being an expensive solution are being challenged by developments in both core technologies and ancillaries. Here, Jason Barnes and David Crawford look at the latest developments in the sector. A notable aspect of machine vision is the flexibility it offers in terms of how and how much data is passed around a network. With smart cameras, processing capabilities at the front end mean that only that which is valid need be communicated back to a central processor of any descripti
  • Telematics devices ‘prompt changes in driving behaviour’
    November 23, 2015
    More than half (56 per cent) of the drivers participating in an Insurance Research Council (IRC) online public opinion survey have made changes in how they drive since installing a telematics device provided by their insurance company in their primary vehicle. The report, Auto Insurance Telematics: Consumer Attitudes and Opinions, also claims that 36 per cent of respondents said they have made small changes in how they drive and 18 per cent said they have made significant changes. Thirty-eight per cent s
  • Highways England highlights enforcement business
    April 16, 2019
    Enforcement policies need to start focusing much harder on business users, says a new initiative from Highways England. Geoff Hadwick reports on what this could mean for cutting work-related injuries and incidents
  • A more equitable approach to road charging: is the technology there yet?
    September 8, 2023
    Thinking around road user charging, distance-based payments, and even mileage rationing is ever-widening with new concepts and suggestions being aired and brought forward every other week. Yet, as Jorgen Petersen of Systra explains, there are already many solutions in place throughout the world which promote modal shift, reduce traffic and improve air quality…