Safety tips for driving a van

Tips for safe driving

Getting to know the van

Before your first drive: Take time to get familiar with the size and weight of the van. If you're new to vans, try a few basic manoeuvres in an empty car park.

Mirrors and visibility: Make sure your mirrors are set correctly. Vans have no interior rear-view mirror, so the side mirrors are key for your view of the road and surroundings.

Safe pulling away and stopping

Smooth starts: Vans need more time and space to accelerate, especially when fully loaded. Avoid sudden starts.

Braking: Because of their greater weight, vans have a much longer braking distance. Keep a sufficient distance from the vehicles in front of you and brake early and smoothly.

The right speed

Speed limits: Always stick to speed limits and adjust your speed to the current road conditions. Remember that stopping a loaded vehicle takes longer.

Bends: When taking bends, slow down more than you would in a car to minimise the risk of rolling over because of the higher centre of gravity.

Driving in poor conditions

Rain and ice: Be especially careful in the wet or on icy surfaces. Keep a greater distance between vehicles and reduce your speed significantly.

How to park correctly?

Choosing a suitable spot

Space: Look for parking spaces that offer enough room to manoeuvre. Don't forget the height of the vehicle when entering underground car parks.

Security: Park in well-lit places so that your van is safe from vandalism.

Parking techniques and securing the vehicle

Reversing: If possible, reverse the van into the space. This will let you pull out more easily and safely later on.

Handbrake and wheels: After parking, always apply the handbrake.

Blocking the wheels: if you're parking on a slope, turn the wheels so that they are "locked" against the kerb.

How to avoid accidents?

Keeping a safe distance

Space in front of the vehicle: Keep a greater distance between your van and the vehicle in front. This gives you enough time to react if it brakes suddenly.

Side clearance: Vans are wider than cars. Make sure there is enough space on both sides, especially in narrow lanes or when overtaking vehicles or cyclists.

Careful overtaking

Visibility and signals: Overtake only on clear stretches of road.

Signals: Always use your indicators well in advance so other drivers know you're about to overtake.