Low-Speed Lapses Are Causing More Van Collisions Than You Think
Even the most experienced drivers can be caught out by everyday driving hazards. New data from The AA shows that concentration lapses are a major factor in many collisions - and van drivers are no exception.
In 2025, AA Accident Assist supported around 67,000 drivers following a crash, and nearly one in five of those involved hitting a parked vehicle. While collisions with other moving vehicles were the most common (40%), a surprising number of incidents happen at low speeds and are entirely avoidable.
Everyday hazards on the road included:
- Parked cars: 19% of crashes
- Rear-end collisions in slow-moving traffic: 10%
- Impacts with kerbs, open doors, walls, hedges, and barriers: around 2% each
- Collisions with animals (like deer) were rare, at just 1%
According to The AA, these incidents are often the result of momentary lapses in concentration such as misjudging space in car parks, forgetting to apply the handbrake, or making small errors on narrow roads or through roadworks.
Tim Rankin, Managing Director at AA Accident Assist, explains:
“Being involved in a crash is incredibly stressful and can affect people in different ways. Our data reveals that in many cases, a momentary loss of concentration is a key factor in the collision happening.”
For van owners, the takeaway is clear: low-speed collisions aren’t just costly - they’re preventable. As we head into 2026, a simple New Year’s resolution for drivers could be to allow more space between yourself and other road users, slow down, and keep your eyes on the road. Not only can this help reduce accidents, it can save money on repairs and even help keep insurance premiums lower.
Whether you’re leasing a van for work or personal use, staying alert during every journey - no matter how short or routine - can make a big difference.