A recent study has revealed that the average van driver earns £25,000, supports Manchester United – and is called John. 819 van drivers were surveyed, with results showing that they are most likely to be married, have two children and drive 15,652 miles a year.
They have also driven in three different countries and consume four hot drinks every day.
But contrary to the stereotype, it emerged that half of van drivers have stopped to help someone after an accident or breakdown and 53% would describe themselves as a courteous driver.
A spokesman for Mercedes-Benz, which commissioned the research to mark the launch of their Challenge The Van campaign, said:
”Van drivers are portrayed in a certain light and this survey shows that in most aspects, this isn’t what they are really like at all.
”They tend to get tarred with the ‘white van man’ image of beer drinking, fast food loving guys who don’t consider other drivers on the road.
”But the results of the survey show that they can be kind drivers who help out others on the road, as well as considerate and romantic when it comes to their partner at home.
”Van drivers can sometimes get a lot of stick, but they aren’t all like the stereotype.”
The study also revealed the average van driver will spend three hours and 20 minutes driving each day.
And while their favorite meals are a roast dinner with all the trimmings, a full English breakfast or a curry, they still end up spending £19.88 on fast food each week.
Coffee was found to be the van drivers’ hot drink of choice, whilst Dairy Milk was named as the best chocolate bar.
In their spare time they visit the pub three times a month, as well as enjoying trips to the cinema, watching live sport or socialising with friends.
Football is the most popular sport, with 39% naming it as their favourite, followed by rugby, golf, Formula 1 and tennis.
Manchester United has the biggest fan base among van drivers, with Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham completing the top five.
Researchers also found that the average van driver has been married for eight-and-a-half years, with 63% considering themselves to be a romantic partner.
More than six in ten have bought flowers to surprise their partner, while 44% have whisked their loved one away on a weekend break.
Another 38% have arranged a candlelit dinner for their partner.
When it comes to their driving skills, six in ten consider themselves a good and safe driver.
And 22% love their career and couldn’t imagine doing anything else, with another 37% simply saying they ‘like’ it.
Martin Jaskolowski of Mercedes-Benz UK added:
”Van drivers are stuck with a certain stereotype and this survey shows that in most aspects, this isn’t what they are really like at all.
”They tend to get labelled with the ‘white van man’ image of beer drinking, fast food loving guys who don’t consider other drivers on the road.
”But these results show that they can be kind drivers who help others on the road as well as being considerate and romantic when it comes to their partner at home”.
TOP 10 VAN DRIVER NAMES
1. John
2. Dave
3. Steve
4. James/Jamie
5. Mark
6. Paul
7. Andrew/Andy
8. Mike
9. Tom
10. Chris
