If you work in construction, you’ll know how important it is to have the right vans and other
vehicles to help you move your materials and get to your work sites. However, these
vehicles aren’t like any old car, and while any mode of transport needs to be safe, special
attention needs to be paid to larger vehicles that are carrying heavy objects. If you have
recently started a construction company or are about to buy a new van for your business,
remember these 5 essentials it will need.
1. Insurance
It is illegal to drive a vehicle without insurance, so before you take your new van out on the
road, make sure it is covered. You might want to continue with your current insurance
provider, but this is also a good opportunity to shop around and see if you can get a better
deal elsewhere. Use comparison websites to find the best rates for insurance on your
construction van and have all the necessary cover included in the policy.
2. Emergency Kit
It’s also a good idea to have an emergency breakdown kit in your van just like in any other
car. Hopefully, you won’t need to use it, but if you do find yourself getting stuck on the road
between destinations, having these provisions will be incredibly useful. You should have a
hazard triangle to put on the road to warn passing vehicles, a spare tire with jacks if you
know how to change one, a torch, and booster cables and tow rope as a basic kit. Having a
first aid kit in the van with you is also a good idea just in case you or a passenger suffers
minor injuries if you’re involved in an accident.
3. Dash-Cam
Another useful thing you should get for your construction van is a dash-cam. This could help
you to get better rates for your insurance too, as video evidence can be used if you ever
needed to make a claim. It can also be helpful to you if you are involved in an accident or
have witnessed one as you have driven by. It can help to give you peace of mind that you
and your truck are safe, so consider adding this accessory to your essentials checklist.
4. LED Lights
You might be working on a construction site late at night, or driving along a dark road, and
although your headlights can help to illuminate your way, additional lights can also be useful.
LED flashing lights can let other vehicles know that you are on the road, or warn people on
the construction site that your van is pulling into an area, which can help to make sure
everyone is staying safe.
5. Phone Charger
You can get adapters for the cigarette plug in your van and use it as a phone charging port
instead. This is worthwhile as it can help you to stay connected if there is an emergency, or
you need to make contact with your colleagues when you’re off-site. If you have a modern
van, it might already come with a USB charging port built-in but if not, get yourself one of
these adapter plugs so you can keep in contact with others at all times.
If you are about to get yourself a new construction van, consider the list above and make
sure you have all of these essentials.