Cargo Van Safety Features: What to Look For

Safety is a top concern when it comes to cargo vans, especially since they are often used for commercial purposes and transport valuable cargo. When choosing a cargo van for your business, it's important to look for safety features that can protect your drivers, cargo, and other road users. In this article, we will discuss the key safety features to consider when choosing a cargo van.

1. Anti-lock braking system (ABS):

Goal: Prevent wheel locking during hard braking by improving steering control.

Benefits: Reduces the risk of skidding and loss of control, especially in wet or slippery conditions.

2. Electronic Stability Control (ESC):

Purpose: Helps drivers maintain control during sudden maneuvers or on slippery roads.

Benefits: Minimizes the risk of rollover and loss of control through selective braking and engine power control.

3. Traction Control System (TCS):

Purpose: Prevents the wheel from rotating when accelerating.

Benefits: Improves traction and stability on slippery surfaces, reducing the likelihood of getting stuck.

4. Blind Spot Monitoring:

Purpose: Warns drivers of vehicles in their blind spots.

Benefits: Reduces the risk of accidents when changing lanes or making turns through visual or audible warnings.

5. Rear view camera:

Purpose: Improves rear visibility when reversing or parking.

Benefits: Helps drivers avoid collisions with obstacles or pedestrians when backing up.

6. Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Lane Keeping Assist (LKA):

Purpose: Warns drivers if the vehicle is drifting out of its lane and can provide steering assistance.

Benefits: Reduces the risk of unintentional lane departures and potential collisions.

7. Forward Collision Warning (FCW) and Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB):

Purpose: Warns drivers of imminent collisions in the foreground and can automatically apply the brakes.

Benefits: Helps prevent or reduce the severity of rear-end collisions.

8. Airbags:

Purpose: Protects passengers in the event of a collision.

Benefits: Reduces the risk of injury by softening the impact during an accident.

9. Side impact airbags:

Purpose: Provides additional protection during side impacts.

Benefits: Minimizes the risk of injury to occupants in side impacts.

10. Rollover prevention systems:

Purpose: Helps prevent rollover during extreme maneuvers.

Benefits: Increases vehicle stability and reduces the risk of rollover accidents.

11. High-strength steel construction:

Purpose: Increases the structural integrity of the van body.

Benefits: Provides better protection for passengers in the event of an accident.

12. Security Features:

Purpose: Prevent theft and unauthorized access to cargo.

Benefits: Protects valuable cargo and reduces the risk of financial loss.

13. Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS):

Purpose: Warns drivers of low tire pressure, reducing the risk of blowouts or loss of control.

Benefits: Maintains proper tire inflation levels for improved vehicle stability and fuel efficiency.

14. Load characteristics:

Purpose: Ensures proper safety and distribution of cargo.

Benefits: Prevents load movement that could affect vehicle stability and handling.

15. Driver assistance systems:

Purpose: Increases driver awareness and reduces fatigue.

Benefits: Improves overall driving safety with features such as adaptive cruise control and traffic sign recognition.

When evaluating the safety features of a cargo van, consider your specific business needs and driving conditions. Choose a cargo van model that offers a combination of safety features to provide the best protection for your drivers, cargo, and other road users. Additionally, make sure your drivers are trained to use these features effectively to ensure maximum safety on the road.