Europcar van hireHiring a van – be safe!
Hiring a van is different from driving a car. The controls, the driving position, even the feel of the vehicle on the road - none of these is radically different from what you'll be used to when you're driving a car. But there are some important differences to remember, to look out for and to be aware of.
Are all the doors securely closed?
Vans have rear or side cargo doors. Make sure they're closed securely and can't come open when the van is moving - even more important if you're carrying something.
Health & Safety - Is the load secure?
It's surprising how little movement of the van it takes for an unsecured load to slide around uncontrollably - and dangerously.
Vans are bigger than cars
Vans are designed to carry loads, not to handle like sports cars
- For information on van speed limits visit Direct Gov
- For information on roads and journeys visit Highways Agency
- Take corners slowly - it is possible for a heavily loaded van to tip over sideways if you take the corner too fast and talking about tipping over - pay very close attention to public warnings if you're driving on an exposed road in windy weather
- Remember if you are hiring a van, that larger vans need more room to turn so give yourself plenty of time and space when taking corners
- Remember that the larger or heavier the vehicle, the longer it takes to stop, especially in icy or wet conditions
- Watch out for cyclists and bikers - they're often tempted to overtake on the blind side