Research carried out for Mercedes-Benz commercial vehicle dealer S & B Commercials found that:
- Men are much more likely to characterise van drivers’ behaviour as ‘aggressive’ as opposed to women. 33% of males vs 23% females.
- Young people between the ages of 18-24 are most likely (26%) to brand van drivers as ‘aggressive’
- Scottish and Welsh were much less likely to find van drivers inconsiderate road users with 37% agreeing they are ‘careful drivers’
- 25% of Londoners agreeing ‘Van drivers are the least considerate road users’
- Motorbike users ( 61%) are most likely to agree that van drivers are ‘reckless drivers’
Now the dealer is campaigning to challenge this stereotypical view by publishing videos of its own customers who rely on their vans for business.
‘Van Man Stories’ shares the work and passion of the people behind the wheel and has been launched to challenge negative stereotypes through real life stories.
Group marketing manager Jonathan Lingham from S & B Commercials said: “Despite the often quoted 90’s ‘white van man’ stereotype, we were surprised to see such a negative perception of commercial vehicle drivers. Our customers range from ice cream van drivers to independent taxi drivers, who commit to keeping a clean licence and a reliable van for their well-being. We want to show the public how good driving conduct is an essential part of a van driver’s work. These professionals spend a lot of their time in their vans and have some great stories to share. We hope with our customers’ letting the public into their lives, it can help improve perceptions of van drivers.”
