Technology can make van parking safer, says VW

Parking and reversing account for almost one in 10 serious van accidents, according to an investigation by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles.

Figures from the Department for Transport show there were 1,350 parking and reversing van accidents involving light commercial vehicles weighing up to 3.5 tonnes in 2016, resulting in deaths or serious and slight injuries to drivers, passengers, pedestrians or cyclists. 

As well as causing injuries, accidents force vans off the road and into workshops for repairs. VW Commercial Vehicles cites Association of British Insurers figures that suggest downtime costs fleets an average of £550 a day per van while average UK car repair bills stand at £1,678.

“The figures show how problematic parking and reversing can be for commercial vehicle drivers, especially for those who spend a lot of time negotiating tight spaces,” said Sarah Cox, head of marketing for Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles.

VW Commercial Vehicles suggests that parking cameras and sensors can reduce the chance or severity of accidents. It now offers driver assistance systems across its range of Caddy, Transporter and Crafter vans.

“Park Assist helps eliminate the risk of accidents by parking the vehicle automatically,” said Cox. 

“To use the system, drivers simply press a button and the vehicle uses multiple sensors to steer itself into the tightest parking spots. All drivers have to do is operate the pedals to execute the manoeuvre. 

“Front and rear parking sensors can be added as part of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles’ Business Pack, while a rear-view camera, Trailer Assist and side protection monitoring are also available as options.”