That’s according to new research from AXA Business Insurance, which finds that over half (56%) regularly use their vehicle to benefit others, and an incredible nine out of ten would stop to assist a stranger in need – despite working pressures.
Meanwhile 78% of the van drivers questioned said that they’d pull over to help an injured person, 75% said they’d stop to help someone who has been knocked over, and 72% said they’d help out in an accident or crash situation.
In addition, 66% of van drivers would pull over to help a vulnerable looking individual, 65% would stop and help a victim of attack, 44% would stop to assist a driver in a broken down vehicle and 28% would intervene in an incidence of road rage.
Male drivers aged 45 to 54 are most likely to stop and help a stranger, while women aged 55 to 64 are more likely to use their vehicle for the benefit of someone they already know.
Darrell Sansom, managing director at AXA Business Insurance, suggested it’s time to reappropriate the label: “The boorish, selfish and aggressive characteristics associated with the label ‘white van man’ are out dated, unjust and quite frankly unfair.
“We know from our research that people who drive for a living are generally professional and assured behind the wheel. They’re less likely than other drivers to break laws related to speed and drink-driving and they are safer and more confident than other drivers when handling heavy traffic, roundabouts and overtaking.
“This latest survey shows that they also have high levels of responsibility and care for other road users and just serves to prove how out of touch the stereotype has become.
“In my view, we need to reclaim the label and take back the term. White van man is the nation’s secret superhero. Let’s celebrate him and her as such.”
