Reversing and parking account for one in ten van accidents

Parking and reversing account for almost one in 10 serious van accidents, according analysis by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles.

Figures from the Department for Transport show there were 1,350 parking and reversing van accidents involving light commercial vehicles weighing up to 3.5 tonnes in 2016 that resulted in deaths or serious and slight injuries to drivers, passengers, pedestrians or cyclists. Far more parking and reversing incidents also occur which do not have a direct ‘human’ impact – but which will inevitably affect fleet and business operations.

As well as causing injuries, these accidents force vans off the road and into Van Centres for repairs. Downtime costs fleets an average of £550 a day per van while average UK car repair bills stand at £1,678.

Parking cameras and sensors can reduce the chance or severity of accidents.

Sarah Cox, Head of Marketing for Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, said: “The figures show how problematic parking and reversing can be for commercial vehicle drivers, especially for those who spend a lot of time negotiating tight spaces.

“Our parking safety technology is offered across the range to allow fleet managers and owners to select the van with the best features to suit their individual operating requirements. It’s all part of our Working With You promise to provide a vehicle and total support package for every UK fleet.”