How Cargo Partitions in Vans Increase the Safety?

As competition in the automobile industry grows, almost every big company has a van on the road. From Mercedes Sprinter and Metis, Ford E-Series, Dodge RAM, Nissan NV to the Chevy City Express, there is a van for every type of business. However, safety is a major concern if you own a work van. Most contractors and business owners in other trades prefer vans because of the spacious cargo space available. The large cargo space can nevertheless turn into a problem if you don’t invest in custom van partitions. Many business owners want to leverage the large cargo space and forget about safety only to regret later when accidents happen. By installing proper cargo partition, you will boost safety standards inside the van and avoid costly personal injury lawsuits from your workers.

In this article, you will learn more about the importance of partitioning your van as a safety precaution. Read on to learn about van bulkheads/partitions if you are after a van outfitting idea that will help your business.

Van Partitioning and Safety

As business owners look for extra space to hold their cargo in transit, automobile industries have come up with roomier vans. The Mercedes Sprinter van, for instance, has 319.1 cubic ft of space which is more than enough for an ordinary contractor business. Such increased cargo volumes have seen the adoption of these vans for almost every business as they allow transportation of bulky tools and equipment. Most vans can carry around 1,500 and 3,000 pounds, and all this load sits behind the driver and passenger.

When using a factory manufactured van, the roomy cargo space becomes a challenge. You have a combination of large and small tools to transport and other equipment. In the end, most people use truck tool boxes and other storage systems to try and maximize available space. This exposes the driver and passenger in the cabin to injuries in case of a collision.

Why Van Cargo Partitioning Matters

Despite the important role it plays, a van partition between the cargo area and the driver’s cabin misses in most work vans. It is a major safety concern when the vehicle is in motion and has caused many injuries and fatalities on American roads.

While automobile manufacturers have continued manufacturing larger high-performance vans, they have not introduced the best cargo restraining systems. The only protection anyone in the driver’s cabin has in case of a collision is their seat and this is not enough to cushion the force of shifting cargo. Without van bulkheads, cargo van drivers are at great risk in case of even minor crashes.

If your van cargo has bulky tools, for instance, the driver and passenger can suffer serious injuries or even death in case of a collision.

The Worrying Accident Statistics

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) says there are close to half a million van and truck crashes. Cargo companies such as UPS, FedEx, DHL, U.S. Postal Service record high accident rates on the roads. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has raised concerns over the overlooked danger of unrestrained cargo.

According to statistics from NHTSA, there are over 250 cargo-related injuries and fatalities. When a collision occurs, even the smaller tools in the cargo become dangerous missiles moving at very high speeds. A 30mph crash, for instance, has almost 20 G’s and a 50-pound tool transforms into a 1,000-pound missile flying inside the van during the crash. Inevitably, this leads to injuries or even fatalities which you can avoid by installing custom cargo partition in your new work van.

Now that most van manufacturers are yet to install partition systems in their vans, it is important to invest in a custom van partition as a way of protecting your business. Here is how cargo partitioning will help:

Prevent Personal Injuries

Workplace injuries rate among the biggest problems facing businesses today. They can devastate your business financially and you need to implement the best safety precautions. In your van, one of the best ways to avoid injuries is by installing a durable cargo partition system that will restrain cargo during crashes. If you have dangerous tools or any other items in your van, this is the best way to keep both the driver and passenger safe whenever they are on the road.

Reducing Impact of Damage in a Collision

In case of a crash, any loose lying items will fly fast forward thus causing damage to the windscreen. It will cost you a lot of money to replace that windscreen and to avert such costs; you should invest in high-quality van bulkheads. A sturdy bulkhead restrains cargo inside the van irrespective of the magnitude of a crash. There is minimal damage to your vehicle, and it is thus easier to get the van back on the road.

Averting Property Damage and 3rd Party Injuries

In some situations, cargo flying from your van can cause serious injuries to people outside the van or property damage. A simple accident can mutate into a big lawsuit which can bring your business to its knees. To avoid hefty fines and compensation, you should install custom cargo partitioning early enough. It is the only way to avoid causing damage outside the van in case of an accident.

When researching the best van partition, look for versatile, durable and easy to use systems. A good van partition should allow monitoring of the van area from the driver’s cabin. The partition should also open and close easily preferably using an automatic lock system. Look for a versatile partition system which can also allow storage of safety equipment, tank holders, bin systems, and installation of hook bars.

If you are after a van outfitting idea that will optimize the performance of your van, think about cargo partition. It enhances safety standards inside your van and protects your crew, helps in the organization of the cargo area and improves your company’s professional image. Your van’s driver will enjoy peace of mind knowing everything at the back is well organized and there are precautions for any safety risks.