Van drivers face hostility from other road users

Peugeot found that more than three-quarters (78%) of van drivers experience negative behaviour from other road users simply because they drive a van.

The poll of 1,000 drivers who use a van for work found that more than half (53%) have been cut up on the road, with other common forms of abuse including being verbally sworn at (51%) and tailgating (41%) – while one quarter (26%) have even been threatened with violence.

The majority (79%) agree this behaviour is down to how they are perceived by other motorists, with 73% saying they feel misunderstood by the general public – rising to 78% among electric van drivers.

Nicola Dobson, managing director, Peugeot UK, said: “It’s time for the outdated stereotypes of van drivers to be re-evaluated. We know that the majority of van drivers take pride in their vehicle and are among the most skilled and considerate drivers on the road.”

The most common stereotypes van drivers come up against are aggressive behaviour (46%), poor driving (43%) and having dirty or untidy vehicles (35%).

In contrast to these stereotypes, two-thirds (67%) of van drivers say they make a point of being mindful to other road users, while over half (53%) argue they are more proficient than many other motorists because driving a van is more challenging than a car.

These negative experiences have a significant impact on van owners’ driving behaviour, with 71% feeling like they have to defend themselves or prove they are a good driver when behind the wheel of their van.

Meanwhile, almost two-thirds (61%) say they often or always feel pressure to drive more carefully because of how they are perceived, while half (51%) have even altered their route, parking or behaviour to avoid conflict with other road users.