More than half of van drivers admit to making calls behind the wheel without using a hands-free device.
The research of 500 UK van drivers by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles found almost a quarter (23%) of drivers said their vans were not hands-free enabled while a third (33%) of drivers admitted they have the technology but don’t always use it.
Only around one in four (27%) said their vehicle was fitted with hands-free tech and they always use it to make phone calls while driving.
This is despite the fact that driving while using a device – including making calls, texting, taking selfies or posting on social media – has carried a fine of £200 and a six-penalty point licence endorsement since March 2017; being caught twice is enough to have your licence revoked.
Sarah Cox, head of marketing at Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, said: “Our figures show that many van drivers don’t have or aren’t using a Bluetooth hands-free kit behind the wheel – risking not only a fine and potential ban, which would damage business, but, more seriously, a potentially fatal accident.
“As part of our Working With You promise we ensure all our customers have the right accessories and equipment to make their jobs as easy and safe as possible, whether that’s offering flexible van servicing or something as simple as a hands-free kit as standard.”
