Mind the gap

Mobile repairers or van drivers might not be leaving enough braking space, with heavy loads needing up to an extra 36%.

Research by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles shows over half of van drivers don’t know how heavy loads impact braking distances. The majority of van drivers carry up to half a tonne of equipment on a daily basis which can increase braking distances by up to 36%.

VW conducted a series of brake tests at the MIRA Proving Grounds in Nuneaton on its range of vans, with the Caddy, Transporter and Crafter carrying varying weights from empty to 500kg at both 30mph and 60mph.

The results revealed that 30mph braking distances increased by an average of 33% when vans had half a tonne of ballast on board – equal to an extra two metres travelled. At 60mph, braking distances increased by an average of 19%, or five metres.

But a survey revealed over half of van drivers couldn’t identify how much longer it would take to brake when driving a loaded van, while just 17% could correctly identify the Highway Code advised 30mph stopping distances.

Carl zu Dohna, director of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, said, ‘This research highlights a lack of knowledge that could prove lethal. Braking distances in the Highway Code are based on an advised standard and don’t take into account the loads that many van drivers carry. Our research highlights an important safety message that van drivers could really benefit from.’

Supporting the research, Matthew Avery, director of research at Thatcham Research, said, ‘We would also encourage van drivers to ensure that loads are well-secured, as movement of heavy items in the rear can also effect stability and stopping distance.’