Technology reduces collisions for almost half of van drivers

Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) have prevented at least one accident in the past year for 45% of UK van drivers, a new study has found.

Research commissioned by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles revealed that parking and reversing incidents were among the most common for UK van drivers, with parking representing 27% of all accidents, and 18% for reversing, respectively.

The survey also found that the average cost of van repairs is on the rise, now as much as £534.251, up from £525.632 the year before.

Alice Axtell, product marketing manager at Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, said: “With repair costs on the rise, the impact that accidents can have on the day-to-day running of a business is significant.

“This is why our vehicles are equipped with a range of advanced driver-assistance technology, many as standard, to help drivers avoid incidents that can put their van out of action and help keep business running smoothly.”

Driver assistance technology, such as parking sensors and reversing cameras, can minimise the risk of bumps and scrapes when parking, which accounts for the lion’s share of incidents for UK van drivers.

Brake Assist technology – which comes as standard on Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles’ range of vans –shortens a vehicle’s stopping distance in emergency situations, by detecting traffic and applying the brakes if needed.

At a time when UK van drivers are already feeling the squeeze, with almost half (48%) of respondents citing the cost of running a business as a major concern, these rising costs underscore the significant impact that an even a minor accident can bring.