The Freight Transport Association has published the latest issue of its Van Drivers’ Handbook, which is sponsored by Ford.

The handbook is a guide to the safe, legal and efficient operation of vans and light commercial vehicles.

The 78-page handbook is designed to give van drivers a quick and easy reference guide in order to stay legally compliant, together with practical advice and information on the daily operation of the vehicle.

“Van drivers come in for a great deal of unfair criticism regarding driving standards.

"However, Department for Transport accident statistics show that the van is the safest vehicle on UK roads,” said the FTA’s sector head - automotive and leasing, Lawrie Alford.

“On a mile-for-mile comparison, vans are involved in just 24 accidents per 100 million vehicle-kilometres.

"That compares well with HGVs at 39 accidents per 100 million vehicle-kilometres and with cars at 67 accidents per 100 million vehicle-kilometres - almost three times more than vans.”

The £6 handbook is available online at www.shop.fta.co.uk

- www.fleetnews.co.uk