Safe van driving tips
If you are driving a van for the first time or perhaps drive a van infrequently there are many differences to driving a car which you should be aware of and remember. The following safety tips provide practical van driving advice to ensure your journey is safe for yourself, others passengers and pedestrians.

Before you start your journey
When you pick up your van from the rental station listen carefully to the advice and explanations regarding general operation. Ensure you know where all controls are and how to use them, if you are unsure ask. 

• Wear sensible footwear that allows the correct use the pedal controls. 

• Adjust the mirrors to provide maximum vision. 

• Adjust head restraints and seats for both comfort and safety. 

• You MUST wear a seat belt

• Before driving on the road, make sure the rear or side cargo doors are locked securely.

• Become familiar and comfortable with the size and responsiveness of the van by initially driving in an area with little traffic. 

General driving advice

• Plan your route and allowed sufficient time to complete your journey. 

• In winter listen to weather forecasts and take extra care in windy or wet conditions. 

• Ensure the vehicle has sufficient fuel before commencing your journey, if you need to refill check in advance where the petrol cap is located and which type of fuel is required.

• Remember to lock your vehicle when it is not attended.

Van driving advice

• Be in complete control of your vehicle at all times, losing control means not being able to stop or move your van in a safe manner. 

• Be aware of the size of the van you are driving, particularly the height. Take extra caution when approaching bridges and canopies and when driving under overhanging trees. Some petrol stations may not cater for the size of your vehicle. 

• Large vehicles need extra room to turn, take this into consideration when approaching a tight corner. Also bear in mind the length of the van and the position of the rear of the vehicle when maneuvering. 

• Make use of the increased visibility from a higher driving position and remember to use your exterior mirrors more often. 

• Take tight bends slowly as tall vans can tip more easily due to their height and increased centre of gravity. 

• Control your speed and never follow other vehicles too closely, vans require a much longer braking distance especially when travelling at speed, carrying a heavy load or in wet or icy weather conditions. 

• Pay extra attention when reversing or parking and only attempt to do so if you are confident or when it's necessary. Ask for another person to guide you if your van has blind spots. 

• Be extra careful when changing lanes, the van you are driving may have blind spots. Pay particular attention for motor cyclists. 

• Take a little extra time and care when driving an unfamiliar vehicle. 

Making Turns

• When turning a corner, you must make a wider swing with a van than you would with a car. Consequently, on a right turn it is necessary to watch the right outside mirrors for small vehicles, motorcycles, bicycles and pedestrians. 

• Use turn signals well in advance. 

• Make turns more slowly than you would with a car. If you turn too quickly, the van will lean and make your passengers uncomfortable.

• Whenever possible, don't make "U" turns. Due to the van's wider turning radius, a "U" turn may require you to make at least one backward movement. Avoid backward movement whenever possible. 

Height of Van
The height of the van has advantages and disadvantages for the driver. On the plus side, it gives you a better view of the road ahead. On the negative side, some garages are not high enough to accommodate the van. You also have to watch for overhead obstructions such as trees and limbs.
The van can block the view of passenger cars following you. Drivers may attempt to pass you at an unsafe time or place, and thus, threaten to involve you in an accident. Watch both outside mirrors for these maneuvers.

Blind Spot
The van has blind spots on each side. Adjust your mirrors to reduce these as much as possible. 
To avoid striking a pedestrian, stop well before you reach a crosswalk. Watch out for your own passengers walking across the front of the van as they board or leave.
When in a line of stop-and-go traffic, never get so close to the vehicle in front that you lose sight of its brake lights and directional signals.
The greatest blind spot is to the rear when backing up. 


Following Distance
A loaded van is more difficult to stop than an automobile traveling at the same speed. Therefore, you should use a four-second following rule for a van. The four-second rule works as follows: Count 1,001 - 1,002 - 1,003 - 1,004 after the rear of the vehicle you are following passes a fixed object. If the front of your vehicle passes the same object before you count to 1,004, you are following too closely. Slow down. Increase follow distance in poor weather conditions or when fully loaded.


Backing Up
Your best defense is to back up only when necessary. Avoid backing into traffic. If you must back up:

• Back into a space so that you can drive out. 

• Engage 4-way flashers. 

• Sound the horn twice to alert pedestrians and other drivers. 

• Look over both shoulders. 

• Use all mirrors. 

• Utilize a spotter whenever available. 

• Avoid blindside backing

• Back slowly and cautiously.. 

Parking and Loading/Unloading 
Watch for normal hazards, such as low branches and wires, fences, walls and hydrants, and choose a spot that will be easy to pull in and out of. It is also essential that you lock the van when it is left unattended.