41% of Van Drivers Who Died Tested Positive for Alcohol or Drugs

In recent years, the number of vans on the road has significantly increased, largely due to the booming logistics and goods delivery sectors. As a result, the safety of van drivers has become a pressing issue, prompting discussions among experts and authorities. Understanding the risks associated with this vehicle category is crucial for formulating effective safety measures.

Understanding the Role of Vans in Traffic Incidents

The General Directorate of Traffic (DGT) recently held a dedicated seminar focused on vans, vehicles that straddle the line between cars and trucks. This event brought together industry professionals and experts to address the growing concerns surrounding the safety of van users on interurban and urban roads.

The DGT's director, Pere Navarro, emphasized that vans often exist in a “second tier” when it comes to road safety compared to other vehicles. He pointed out that while cars and trucks benefit from specific licensing, rigorous inspections, and targeted training, vans lack similar comprehensive measures.

“Unlike passenger cars and trucks, which have defined regulations and safety protocols, vans operate under a less stringent framework, which can lead to increased risks. It is crucial that we shift our focus to this category of vehicles, as their prevalence in economic activities has surged,” Navarro stated.

Statistics on Van Usage and Safety

Vans are defined as vehicles with a maximum authorized mass of no more than 3,500 kilograms (4,250 kilograms for electric vans), primarily designed for transporting small goods. Their versatility has made them essential not only for small businesses and freelancers but also for transporting small groups of people.

• Vans do not require special licenses to drive.
• They are not mandated to carry tachographs, unlike heavier vehicles.
• This lack of regulatory burden makes them more accessible for many users.

Alvaro Gómez, director of the Observatory of Road Safety, highlighted a troubling trend: van-related accidents spiked in 2024, particularly on interurban roads, where 79 occupants lost their lives—almost double the number from 2023. Hospitalized injuries also rose, from 138 to 190.

Impact of Substance Abuse on Road Safety

Another critical aspect of road safety involves the consumption of alcohol and drugs among drivers. Alarmingly, in 2024, 41% of van drivers who died in accidents tested positive for substances in post-mortem toxicological analyses. This figure, while slightly lower than the overall average of 48% for all drivers, underscores a significant risk factor in the realm of van safety.

• An average of 14 years for vehicles involved in fatal incidents.
• The average age rises to 16.7 years for vans in which fatalities occurred.
• Work-related traffic fatalities increased, with a rise from 93 in 2023 to 96 in 2024.

Statistics from the National Institute of Safety and Health at Work show that vans accounted for 5.5% of fatal work-related accidents in 2023 and 1.5% of accidents occurring during commutes.

Trends in Van Mobility and Aging Fleet Concerns

The DGT's subdirector of Mobility and Technology, Francisco Ruiz Boada, discussed the rapid growth of the van fleet in Spain, which has increased by 23% over the last decade, outpacing the 15% growth of passenger cars. Despite this growth, there are significant concerns about the aging fleet, with around 40% of vans exceeding 20 years in age, and an average age of 12 years across the fleet.

Additionally, the market is shifting towards larger vans. Since 2007, the number of vans capable of carrying over 1,000 kilograms has surged by 73%, while smaller vans, which previously dominated the market, now account for only 6% of new registrations.

In 2023, vans made up 8.8% of total traffic, with significant variation in mileage based on their age and use:

• Newer vans average 28,000 kilometers per year.
• Older models average only 10,000 kilometers.
• Vans used for public cargo transport often exceed 50,000 kilometers annually.

Initiatives for Enhanced Safety and Regulation

In light of these troubling trends, the DGT has partnered with the Civil Guard's Traffic Group to create a specialized working group aimed at improving van safety. They have devised a comprehensive plan focusing on mobility, accident prevention, and operational planning for van use, particularly in urban and peri-urban areas.

General Tomás García Gazapo, head of the Traffic Group, introduced a new Operational Plan for Van Surveillance and Control. This strategy aims to enhance road safety through a proactive approach that addresses key risk factors, including:

• Excessive speeding.
• Substance abuse (alcohol and drugs).
• Poor loading practices.
• Driver distractions.
• Technical deficiencies (tires, brakes, lighting).

Challenges Faced by the Van Sector

The seminar also featured insights from industry leaders, including Rafael Aguilera, who discussed how the rise of e-commerce has transformed urban mobility and van-related accident rates in Spain. Despite a significant increase in delivery volumes since the COVID-19 pandemic, the risk of mortality per kilometer traveled remains relatively low for vans compared to other vehicles.

However, Aguilera pointed out persistent risks, including:

• The average age of vans involved in fatal accidents is 16.7 years.
• Approximately 20% of vans over 15 years old are still on the road with expired technical inspections (ITVs).
• Non-use of seat belts among 24% of fatalities on interurban roads and 34% in urban environments.

Aguilera concluded by stressing the necessity of renewing the fleet with modern vehicles equipped with advanced driving assistance systems, emphasizing that fleet renewal is not just an environmental issue but a critical safety concern.

Collaborative Efforts for Safer Urban Delivery

Jose Carlos Espeso from AECOC highlighted the operational complexities faced by businesses in increasingly congested urban settings where pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists coexist. These challenges, compounded by inadequate logistics spaces and time-sensitive delivery pressures, have intensified risks for van drivers.

He also noted that as many as 20% of large trucks have been replaced by vans, resulting in heightened street congestion. To combat these issues, he called for stronger collaboration among businesses, authorities, and drivers to implement effective solutions that address the rising accident rates.

"Reducing traffic accidents requires more than just stricter regulations; we need targeted training, increased awareness, and a logistics planning strategy that adapts to the new realities of urban mobility," he emphasized.

For additional insights on the challenges and safety measures related to van usage, you may find this video informative:

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