If you are a courier driver then it is quite likely you will travel quite a lot of miles in a day. As a general rule, the more miles you drive in your courier van the more likely you are to be involved in a road traffic accident. So, what can you do to reduce the possibility of being involved in an accident?

Whilst we appreciate you will be keen to complete your parcel drop offs as quickly as possible, it is important that you do not break the speed limit when driving your courier van. Remember – the heavier your vehicle the longer it will take to come to a halt if you have to brake suddenly. Be conscious of the weather so slow down when it is raining or snowing or the roads are icy.

Concentrate whilst driving at all times. When you are reversing take your time and look in your mirrors. Don’t pull out of a T-junction without making very sure that it is safe to do so. After all, you do not want a car driving into the side of your van putting you out of business for some time.

Make sure that your tyres have a good tread on them and are within the legal limit so that you can stop quickly and in as short a distance as possible if necessary. Have your brakes checked periodically.

Planning your route in advance is a sensible course of action so that you do not become distracted whilst driving along.

Make sure that you have had a good night’s sleep. If you are tired then you are more likely to be involved in a road traffic accident.

Let’s not forget that courier drivers could also be susceptible to suffering an injury perhaps due to not lifting correctly a heavy parcel out of his or her van that they are about to deliver to a customer.

Also, be careful when walking up the path or drive of someone’s property that you are delivering a parcel to. You could trip over on an uneven surface or slip on wet tarmac.

Wear a high visibility jacket at all times so that if you are out of your vehicle delivering a parcel you are clearly visible by other vehicles.

Do make sure that you take regular breaks so that you do not become tired whilst driving your courier van.

We do hope that you find the above of interest and benefit.