Within the framework of SWOV's research programme 2000-2001 (Vehicle Safety theme), research was carried out into the safety of delivery vans. Further research into this vehicle type was necessary because the number of victims of accidents with vans increased by 25% during the 1991-1999 period. In this study the developments which could play a part in this increase were explored. Apart from this, an inventory of the measures already recommended was made. The following subjects were dealt with: (1) results and conclusions of recent, published SWOV research; (2) development of exposure (vehicle numbers and kilometres travelled); (3) development of victims among the occupants of vans and their crash opponents; (4) specific analysis of accident manoeuvres and their course; (5) delivery van measures in the Dutch National Traffic and Transport Plan (NVVP); (6) measures proposed by SWOV; and (7) description of points of attention for policy and research. The "delivery van" name is used for a very heterogeneous group of vehicles such as mini-buses, cars with a so-called 'grey number plate', jeeps/pick-ups, and station cars.
Abstract