Just like when you are buying a car, it is equally important to pay close attention to every detail of the hire vehicle. More than comfort and cost, safety should always be your top priority.
To avoid any unfortunate incidents, make sure you check out the following safety features:
Seatbelts
While it is a given that every vehicle is equipped with seatbelts, some vans are designed to have a greatly improved performance. With additional features, such as seatbelt pre-tensioners that instantly retract the belt in the event of a crash, this can be more beneficial to passengers.
Airbags
Yet another must-have, airbags can be the difference between life and death. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), vehicles with airbags help to reduce the number of deaths due to accidents; they can reduce the risk of injury during collisions. They can be checked by observing the airbag light – if the light is on, the airbag may have been disabled. This is commonly caused by errors in the vehicle’s crash sensor.
Antilock Braking System
Vans can have a four-wheel or a two-wheel Antilock Braking System (ABS). Either way, they are essential to preventing the wheels from locking during a panic brake – and maintaining steering control. To establish whether the vehicle is equipped with ABS, you can always check with the van hire service provider as this information is available in the vehicle’s manual.
Head Restraints
Head restraints are a good safety feature, keeping a passenger’s head safe in the event of a rear impact crash. Most head restraints can be adjusted manually but some automatically adjust along with the change in seat position; automatic is generally better in terms of providing outright protection.
For van hire services in London that ensure total peace of mind, phone H&H on 020 7916 6616… We’ve got your back!
