Over Three-Quarters of Van Drivers Face Negative Behaviour on the Road
More than three-quarters of commercial vehicle drivers have become accustomed to receiving negative behaviour from other motorists simply because they drive a van, according to Peugeot UK.
In a poll of 1000 drivers who use a van as part of their professional life, more than half (53%) claim to have been cut up on the road, while 51% claim to have been verbally sworn at.
Another 41% say they have experienced tailgating, while one quarter (26%) claim to have been threatened with physical abuse.
The data reveals how van drivers continue to face negative connotations associated with driving a commercial vehicle. This is because of dated perceptions that they are aggressive on the road, which often results in equivalent behaviour being directed towards them by default.
Indeed, according to Peugeot, the majority of van drivers it polled (79%) agreed that the behaviour of other motorists towards them is purely based on the fact they are driving a van, with 73% of those saying they felt misunderstood by the general public.
Peugeot also researched the extent of stereotypes that are frequently associated with van drivers, including aggressive behaviour (46%), poor driving (43%) and having dirty vehicles (35%).
Despite the aggression directed towards van drivers, many claim they in fact buck this image because driving a van requires a special skill set compared with driving a car. As a result, 67% claim they make a point of being more mindful of other road users.
Moreover, 71% claimed they feel the need to defend themselves or prove they are a good driver just because they own a van, while 61% say they drive with more vigilance to counter the way they are perceived in general.
It is Time to Bust the Myth About White Van Man
While the old adage that ‘white van man’ is working class, drinks brews and displays misogyny continues to shape how non-van drivers see the profession, there is evidence that the reality is actually very different these days.
According to research conducted by Isuzu, the modern tradesperson prefers to partake in healthier, mindful activities, such as personal fitness, yoga, recycling and using skincare products.
Studies by both Isuzu and Peugeot also reveal that a large majority of van drivers take pride in their vehicle so they are presentable when arriving at jobs.
Meanwhile, a separate study by Mercedes-Benz claimed that almost half of van drivers have a higher education qualification, such as a bachelor’s or master’s degree.
