Despite many newer vans having Bluetooth technology installed, the UK’s van drivers are still blatantly ignoring the laws relating to using mobile phones whilst driving.
A survey by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has found that 23% of van drivers are making calls without having hands-free solution in their van and a further 33% choose not to use the technology even though they have the means available to use Bluetooth.
Since March 2017, the penalty for driving whilst using a mobile phone has been £200 and a six point penalty endorsement and if you are caught twice you are in danger of getting your licence revoked.
Van drivers are more likely to be dependent on their mobile phone for work reasons, spending on average 35 minutes on their phone, making an average of seven calls a day, while 10 per cent of van drivers admit that they can spend up to two hours of their driving day on the phone.
The implications to a business driver are obvious, but Volkswagen’s research found that only 27% of drivers choose to use the fitted hands-free technology while driving.
Sarah Cox, Head of Marketing at Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, said: “Our figures show that many van drivers don’t have or aren’t using a Bluetooth® hands-free kit behind the wheel – risking not only a fine and potential ban, which would damage business, but, more seriously, a potentially fatal accident.
“As part of our Working With You promise we ensure all our customers have the right accessories and equipment to make their jobs as easy and safe as possible, whether that’s offering flexible van servicing or something as simple as a hands-free kit as standard.”