Van insurance holders and safety in gale force winds

Most of the time having van insurance just means that you can legally drive on UK roads, but sometimes it can also stop you from having to pay for vehicle damage which was not your fault, and save you from the road-side after a breakdown.

However, van drivers who don't want to have to rely on the free breakdown cover iVan provides and would much rather carry on with their journey without incident, may be interested to read some advice given by the Scottish Parliament and the AA on driving in (or avoiding) gale force winds.

Van driving in strong winds
Following severe winds across the UK in December 2011, road safety tips regarding driving in strong winds were offered to the road-going public. These tips could help business van insurance holders to avoid suffering an accident, whether it means being more cautious on the road or cancelling deliveries and appointments for that day.

Firstly, the Scottish Parliament stressed that if winds reached dangerous speeds, owners of high-sided vehicles should avoid going out onto the roads altogether. This is because these vehicles are prone to being toppled by heavy gusts of wind due to their un-aerodynamic shape.

Although this situation may be difficult for company owners to accept, drivers could be put in danger of personal injury or death if they are sent out in their vans on a very windy day.

For days during which it is safer for van drivers to continue their trade, or for situations where drivers have been caught out in poor weather, the AA provided tips on how to stay safe behind the wheel in high winds.

The organisation's winner of the "Patrol of the Year 2011" award, speaking for the AA, stated that "drivers should be especially aware of gusts of winds when emerging from between buildings, crossing bridges or on coast roads".

He also warned, "It is important to keep your speed down and a firm grip on the steering wheel with both hands – expect the unexpected. A sudden gust could easily push you off the road or, worse, into the path of an oncoming vehicle."

By following the advice given by the Scottish Parliament and the AA, and providing this information to any employees, van insurance holders can reduce the risk of suffering an increase in the price of their cover due to an accident, and potentially the injury or death of one of their drivers.