Van drivers are being urged to clear out their cabs as experts warn that cluttered dashboards and messy interiors pose a severe fire hazard during hot summer months,
Van drivers are being urged to clear out their cabs as experts warn that cluttered dashboards and messy interiors pose a severe fire hazard during hot summer months, while also increasing the risk of serious accidents and voided insurance.
A new survey of over 1,300 UK drivers conducted by MoneySuperMarket reveals the problem is widespread. One in six say that they drive a messy or cluttered vehicle, with nearly one in five regularly leaving food or drink packaging in them.
Yet, nearly one in three motorists (32%) admitted they are completely unaware of the safety risks associated with loose items in their vehicles. That’s despite the fact that one in 10 UK drivers admitted to having a near miss when driving that they directly attribute to clutter in their vehicle.
Furthermore, nearly one in six motorists report that clutter has rolled under the pedals while driving.
Alicia Hempstead, van insurance expert at MoneySuperMarket, warned of the risks of a messy cab. In summer months, and on particularly sunny days, having loose items in a van can become a fire hazard.
“Clear plastic bottles could act like a lens in some circumstances, focusing sunlight onto dry packaging or other materials in the cab and even potentially starting a fire. Reflective surfaces like cans or foil wrappers can direct heat in a similar way,” Hempstead warned.
Beyond the fire risk, Hempstead highlighted the immediate dangers of an untidy cab.
“Loose items have a habit of ending up where they shouldn’t. Whether that’s a bottle rolling around the floor that ends up under the pedals, or an old receipt sticking to the window and obscuring your view, a split-second distraction or blocked control could have serious consequences.”
Loose items can also lead to fines and even invalidate your insurance.
“Items that risk obstructing pedals or causing distraction to drivers fall under the careless driving law and risk an on-the-spot £100 fine and three points on your licence. Not only that, if you are in a van and cause a crash or serious incident found to have been caused by the items in your vehicle, you could be hit with a fine up to £5,000 and a maximum of nine penalty points on your licence.”
Hempstead continued: “Most van insurance policies require the vehicle to be maintained in a roadworthy condition, meaning if an insurer finds that loose items contributed to an accident, they may refuse to pay out entirely.”
