A study by Swinton Commercial has revealed that van drivers have started using advanced equipment on the move. More and more van drivers have started using gadgets and gizmos such as tablets and smart phones to help them in their work and see the day through.

Although A-Zs were essential for commuting to and from job sites at one point of time, nowadays, SatNavs have become more common since they are able to provide latest updates on the travel routes, allowing van drivers to forestall delays and reach their destinations in time.

Scheduling of work has also been rendered easier, courtesy tablet PCs. The same van drivers that used to jot all their schedules down on a diary earlier have now ditched them in favour of tablets, which make scheduling, reminders and to-do lists a much more convenient feature.

However, more than SatNavs and tablets, the smart phones are currently ruling the roost in a van driver’s must-have gizmos list. Smaller, lighter and more convenient to carry around than a tablet, smart phones have a variety of on-the-job utilities attached to them. From checking and sending emails, navigate while driving around with the help of built-in maps, listen to music, keeping up with social media and a plethora of other activities via the necessary apps.

According to Phil Moss, who is the Commercial Vehicle Manager at the same company: “It’s great that van drivers are so tech savvy. However, it is essential that van drivers do not let their gadgets distract them when behind the wheel. Van drivers need to keep their eyes on the road at all times to avoid any accidents and resultant van insurance claims.”

It’s true; however advanced the gadgets of tomorrow become, a van owner’s fundamental duty is to ensure that his usage of gizmos is not a danger to himself or anyone else on the road. Even if you have cheap van insurance cover on your vehicle, it will not save you from the charges of negligent driving due to usage of smart phones or tablets while behind the wheel.

The advent of pocket technology at cheaper prices has made it possible for van drivers to get their hands on the latest gadgets without burning holes in their pockets. Van drivers use SatNavs with gusto, as it helps them find unfamiliar locations which they must reach in their line of work. Tablets are helpful for scheduling tasks and setting reminders among other things, whereas smart phones are versatile in their use, apart from being cheaper and more mobile than the former two.

Typically, a van driver should place such gadgets on an elevated position in his van so that he need not use his hands to take it out while driving. This reduces the risk of getting involved in an accident while checking your mail or looking for directions.