How do you picture the future of van safety technology? Is it driverless? Does it include jets? Will it involve electric or hydrogen fuel?
To many, the lines between reality and science-fiction have been blurred when it comes to near future and distant future vehicle technology. But while companies are developing driverless technology, it’s unlikely that the logistics and fleet industries will see any of the effects of this for quite some time – if they see any at all.
The reality is that the majority of technology that will be implemented in the coming years will revolve around safety and efficiency – making the roads safer for drivers, while finding ways of cutting costs and becoming more environmentally friendly.
We’ve created a guide to some of the technology that is becoming standard in vans now and might work its way into new vehicles in the next few years. Click for a bigger version to download and share. Please let us know what you think in the comments below.
While this technology will improve fleet safety and efficiency, and is undoubtedly part of the industry’s present and future, it should only be viewed as part of a fleet manager’s overall strategy. There are actions that can be taken now that don’t require you to wait on the technology that car manufacturers develop.
By using telematics, fleet managers and business owners can be proactive in enabling safety and efficiency. Giving drivers real-time information on speeding, fuel consumption and wasted fuel, among other things, can promote responsible driving behaviour. The result – lower costs and a reduction in your carbon footprint.
If you’d like to find out more about how to promote safety and efficiency in your team, download this free advisory guide from TomTom Telematics.
7 thoughts on “Your Guide to Van Safety Tech, Now and in the Future”
It isn’t the truck its the driver.
Anything that makes our roads safer has to be a good thing but one of the biggest issues is ignorance and the them and us attitude especially when it comes to LGVs and the lack of understanding by the average car driver about how much room they require, the other issue is all motorists should have a basic knowledge of how their car works and basic everyday maintenance, despite most modern vehicles being fitted with bulb failure systems the amount of vehicles i see with defective lights is appalling so its all very well putting the technology in a vehicle but how do you get the driver to respond.
The most important change: Self-driving vehicles.
Yes, they are coming.
When Electronics can be 100% accurate is the time to think of such things. Presently these do not exist and we all rely too heavily on such aids. Staying awake and observant is still the best way of staying alive, plus observing all the ever increasing road signs?
Van designs have lost the plot. Vans are for carrying goods and many of them are so inefficient its unbelievable. less than 30% load space in Peugeot Citroen and others. Yes safety is important but if it’s no good to start with all the safety systems on the Planet won’t sell it so you’ve wasted your time at the start.
what a crap article
The number one safety improvement in small to medium sized vehicles has been the transverse mounted engine as first used in the British Leyland Mini. (The engine makes a strong barrier across the front of the vehicle) On the other hand having a rear mounted engine as was done with some obsolete continental designs is extremely bad. (in a smash the mass of the engine and transmission just keeps on pushing) Renault have recently succeeded in getting excellent crash test results from their Renault Modus and now a small car can give its occupants better protection than a big car from yesteryear would give. (a car with its engine mounted north-south does not do well in an offset impact test as the hard heavy parts are missed)
Of course the component that keeps on failing all the time on all vehicles is the nut behind the wheel.