Mobile phone use may be common amongst motorists

It sounds quite obvious, but using a hand-held mobile phone while behind the wheel is illegal for a reason. According to the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA), this action may increase a person's chances of performing various dangerous driving behaviours, such as failing to notice road signs, maintain a central lane position, or observe other road users.

As a result, this dramatically increases their chances of suffering traffic accidents – potentially harming themselves or other people in the process. In addition, research published on the RoSPA website suggests that van drivers are more likely than other road users to talk on a phone when behind the wheel.

However, although all motorists should recognise the dangers of using mobiles while driving, the results of a Halfords survey suggest that this behaviour could be commonplace.
After polling a selection of motorists, the retail firm discovered that 36% of respondents had conversed on their devices when behind the wheel – sometimes more than once a week. In addition, when on the roads, 35% stated they looked at text messages while 19% admitted to accessing websites or social media.

Despite these somewhat troubling results, 88% of respondents believed that using a hand-held phone while on the roads placed themselves and other individuals in danger.

All motorists, including car drivers and van insurance policyholders, should refrain from using mobiles when behind the wheel. If caught, they could face various penalties, such as receiving a £60 penalty fine or having three points added to his or her licence.

In addition, in the event of a traffic accident, those responsible may have to pay for an expensive vehicle repair bill – and might also find it hard to obtain affordable motor cover in the future.
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Think twice before helping out friends and family

As a van owner, you probably realise that this mode of transport makes difficult situations, such as moving house or transporting heavy items, much easier. Therefore, even if you use your vehicle for commercial purposes, it isn't uncommon for friends, acquaintances, and family members to ask for help with personal jobs.

In fact, according to a provider of business van insurance, 81% of van drivers have been in this situation, with 10% having to deal with these requests "all the time".

Although those who agree to help are probably making the lives of their friends and family members much easier, van insurance holders should check with their providers before offering assistance.

For example, if a van driver is asked to briefly transport goods for an acquaintance's business, some providers of commercial vehicle cover may see this as a secondary occupation. Consequently, the driver's insurance policy could be rendered void.

Moreover, if a friend asks to borrow the keys, letting them jump behind the wheel could also invalidate the policyholder's cover.

The van insurer also warned that helpful drivers might not be suitably covered when transporting goods for non-commercial reasons. For example, if a policyholder agrees to help a family member move house, he or she may be unable to claim if the items are damaged or stolen.

Although van drivers may be helping out friends and family members by supplying their vehicles, this gesture carries van insurance risks . Therefore, the next time you get asked to help out with a task, it is probably a good idea to check with your insurance provider before agreeing.

Photo © Victor1558 via Flickr under Creative Commons Licence