Two fifths of van driver ‘regularly' receive abuse from other motorists – but claim they are misunderstood.
A poll of 1,000 adults who drive a van found they've been sworn at (51 per cent), on the receiving end of obscene gestures (50 per cent), and even threatened with physical violence (26 per cent) during the past 12 months.
As many as 79 per cent think this is down to how van drivers are perceived by the wider public - with 49 per cent adamant their reputation for being bad drivers, catcallers, or aggressive on the road is unfair.
Instead, 53 per cent believe they are more proficient than many other road users because driving a van is more challenging than a standard car.
While 67 per cent consciously make a point of being mindful of other drivers - consistently careful to let other motorists in or pedestrians cross the road.
Nicola Dobson, managing director of PEUGEOT UK, which commissioned the research, said: "It’s time for the outdated stereotypes of van drivers to be re-evaluated.
“We know that the majority of van drivers take pride in their vehicle and are among the most skilled and considerate drivers on the road.”
The study also found 73 per cent feel they are misunderstood by the general public as a van driver - rising to 78 per cent among electric van drivers.
With the most common stereotypes being ‘aggressive behaviour’ (46 per cent), ‘poor driving’ (43 per cent), and ‘having dirty or untidy vehicles’ (35 per cent).
Despite the perception of being untidy, almost all (96 per cent) said keeping their van clean and well-maintained is important to them – and 73 per cent clean it at least once a week.
Electric van drivers are even more fastidious, with 89 per cent giving their vehicle a tidy up at least once a week.
It was also revealed 86 per cent think it would reflect badly on them if they were to turn up to work in a dirty van.
But the attention to detail doesn’t just stop at aesthetics - 66 per cent also check for maintenance issues more than once a week, with 70 per cent claiming safety is their biggest motivation for taking care of their transport.
More than six in 10 (63 per cent) admitted public perception impacts how they drive, with 88 per cent feeling the pressure to drive more carefully as a result of how others think.
Carried out through OnePoll, the study found 71 per cent feel a need to defend their driving ability when getting behind the wheel of their van.
In contrast, 64 per cent of electric van drivers feel they are seen in a more positive light since switching from their petrol or diesel van, while 56 per cent say they are perceived positively when charging their van in public spaces.
The research follows the extension of the Government's plug-in van grant for electric vans until 2027 - which the PEUGEOT E-PARTNER, E-EXPERT and E-BOXER are all eligible for.
Nicola Dobson added: “As a leader in the electric van market with three fully electric models, it’s encouraging to see electric van drivers reporting a positive shift in perceptions since going electric.
“We are committed to supporting van drivers and promoting a more positive experience for them on the UK’s roads.”
