Staying Safe on the Road with Van Roadside Recovery Services

Navigating the roads in your van requires preparation and awareness, especially if you’re new to driving a van. In this article, we’ll explore some essential van driving safety tips, as well as what to do should your van break down on the road.

Keep reading to learn about staying safe in your van and how reliable van breakdown recovery services help to ensure you're never stranded.

Van Driving Safety Tips

Find a Comfortable Driving Position

When driving a van, you have a better view of the road ahead due to the higher driving position. However, most vans lack a rear view mirror due to a full steel bulkhead or lack of windows, making it harder to see behind you.

To optimise your field of vision and avoid aches and pains on long trips, it's crucial to adjust your large door mirrors and maintain a comfortable driving position, enabling you to see as much of the road behind you as possible.

Familiarise Yourself with the Controls

When driving a new vehicle, familiarise yourself with the indicators, lights, hazard warnings and wipers. It’s important to know where all of these are before you set off for your journey, as taking your eyes off the road to locate a control even for a few seconds can easily cause an accident.

Unlike cars, vans often have gearsticks on the dashboard next to the steering wheel and some may also have a sixth gear for fuel efficiency. These differences should be noted before driving to avoid surprises and maintain safety when driving.

Adapt Your Spatial Awareness

Remember that vans are typically taller and longer than the cars you are used to driving, which means there are restrictions on where you can drive and park.

For example, you might not be able to fit in some car parks with height limits, especially underground ones. Equally, certain parking spaces or manoeuvres may not be as straightforward as you’re used to. It's crucial to know the van's dimensions beforehand so you can adapt your spatial awareness accordingly.

Increase Your Braking Distance

When driving a van, it is crucial to remember that heavier payloads and larger vehicles require longer stopping distances. Increasing your braking distance allows for more reaction time and can help prevent accidents. Additionally, exercise extra caution in adverse weather conditions, such as wet or icy roads, and be mindful of strong winds, as taller vans are more prone to tipping.

Leave Yourself with Extra Time

Whether driving a van for business or personal use, you may find yourself on unfamiliar roads or under time constraints. Planning a route that avoids congested areas during peak times can help you avoid rushing and/or stress - both of which are factors that impair decision-making.

When planning your route, factor in extra time for unexpected delays to ensure you reach your destination on time.

What to Do When Your Van Breaks Down

Get to Safety

When you break down in the middle of the road, it is crucial to prioritise safety. If possible, move your vehicle out of the road and away from traffic. If you cannot move your vehicle, use a reflective warning triangle to alert other drivers. Ensure your hazard lights are also turned on.

You should also exit your vehicle and move to the path or behind a safety barrier if it is safe to do so. However, if you are seriously injured, do not attempt to move as this could exacerbate your injuries and you should instead wait for help to arrive.

Check for Danger

It’s possible for your van to catch fire if the breakdown is due to a serious fault with the vehicle. If there is an added level of danger because of fire or hazardous materials, then make sure to move away from the vehicle and call 999 if necessary.

Another dangerous situation is if you break down on the motorway. If this happens to you, then you should indicate to the left and move over to the hard shoulder (or furthest left lane if there is no hard shoulder), where you should then turn your hazard lights on and stop the van.

Keeping the hazard lights on, exit the van on the passenger side and stand behind the safety barrier or as far away from the carriageway as is reasonably safe.

Call the Traffic Customer Careline

If you have been able to pull onto the hard shoulder and safely exit the vehicle, then you should call the Traffic Customer Careline on 0800 028 1414 to inform them that you’ve broken down. They are part of Transport Scotland, who are responsible for the management of motorways in Scotland.

If you break down on a motorway in England or Wales, then you should instead report the incident to National Highways on 0300 123 5000.

Call 999

If you are unable to move over to the left and instead break down in a live lane whilst driving on the motorway, then it’s vital that you instead remain in your vehicle with your seatbelt on. Turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers and call 999.

They will be able to inform the necessary national transport service of your whereabouts whilst prioritising getting some officers to your location to control traffic and ensure you are safe.

Call Breakdown Vehicle Recovery Service

Once it is safe to do so, then you can call a breakdown recovery service. Before calling for help, try to identify your location. If unsure, recall the nearest landmark - be it a railway station, petrol station or any other recognisable point. Using a maps app or what3words on your smartphone offers the quickest and most precise way to pinpoint your location, ensuring faster assistance.

Other information you’ll likely need to provide includes:

●      The make, model and color of your van

●      The nature of the breakdown

●      Information regarding any warning lights or sounds

●      Whether the van is in a safe location

Finally, you’ll need to give your contact details and any membership information you might have.

Van Breakdown Recovery Service

Looking for peace of mind on the road? Van breakdowns can be stressful, but with the right preparation and services, you can navigate them smoothly. Remember to prioritise safety, familiarise yourself with your vehicle and always plan extra time for your journeys.

Should the unexpected happen, Euroroute Recovery is here to help. Our dedicated van recovery service ensures you're never left stranded. We provide swift and reliable assistance throughout Scotland, getting you back on the road as quickly as possible - our average wait time is no longer than 40 minutes. From identifying your location to understanding the nature of the breakdown, we're equipped to handle it all.

Don't let a breakdown disrupt your day. Contact us today for dependable van towing and vehicle recovery services. Whether it's a minor issue or a major fault, we're available to provide expert support and ensure your safety.