In a world increasingly dominated by technology, the integration of smart devices into our daily lives has become both a convenience and a challenge. For van drivers across the UK, the temptation to stay connected while on the road continues to pose significant safety risks, despite the availability of hands-free technology.
Recent research conducted by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles reveals a concerning trend: 57% of UK van drivers still physically check their mobile phones while driving. This behavior, in violation of Regulation 110 of the Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986, subjects offenders to a £200 fine and six penalty points on their license. Despite these potential consequences, the practice remains alarmingly widespread.
The survey highlights a slight improvement compared to the previous year, where 64% of van drivers admitted to using their phones while driving. However, the issue remains pervasive, with 1 in 10 drivers confessing to checking their phones “often” while behind the wheel. Such behavior is not only illegal but also significantly more common among van drivers than other motorists, as confirmed by a Department for Transport survey, which found that van drivers are twice as likely to use their mobile phones while driving.
This continued disregard for mobile phone laws is particularly troubling given the extensive availability of hands-free technology in modern vehicles. According to Volkswagen’s research, 98% of surveyed drivers reported that their vans are equipped with hands-free technology, and 93% of them have used it at least once during the workday. This begs the question: why do so many drivers persist in taking risks?
One potential factor is the increasing time spent on the road. The average number of hours that van drivers spend in their vehicles has risen by nearly 28% year-on-year, from 4.88 hours per day in 2022 to 6.24 hours in 2023. With more time on the road comes a greater temptation to stay connected, leading to risky behaviors such as phone use while driving.
Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles is addressing this issue by urging van drivers to fully embrace the hands-free technology available to them. The company equips all its models with a Bluetooth® hands-free kit as standard, along with digital services like We Connect and App-Connect. These features enable drivers to make calls, access apps, and navigate using voice control, thereby reducing the need to take their eyes off the road.
John Ricardo-Neto, Head of Product Planning at Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, emphasizes the importance of using these technologies to enhance road safety. “While there’s still a large number of van drivers ignoring the mobile driving laws at some stage throughout the day, it’s positive to see that van drivers are, for the most part, using hands-free technology while on the road. Every new Volkswagen van is packed with useful in-cabin tech such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as the ability of voice control, allowing drivers to maintain their eyes, and focus, on the road at all times.”
As the number of hours spent on the road increases, so too does the importance of safe driving practices. By adopting hands-free technology and prioritizing safety, van drivers can protect themselves, their businesses, and other road users.
For more details on Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles’ award-winning range of products and services, or to find your nearest Van Centre, please visit www.volkswagen-vans.co.uk.
