The British term ‘White Van Man’ (WVM) is used to describe drivers; in most cases males of light commercial vehicles aka white vans.  These vans are usually painted white for easier application of signage.  The term was first used in the media by BBC Radio 2’s in 1997, although it is believed to be a popular term before hand.

Ever since then van drivers have taken on the mantle of what sociologists refer to as 'folk devils'. Overtaking even the football hooligans in the league table of social undesirability, WVM is now most often viewed as a mobile thug – a dangerous threat to the decent, right-thinking, motoring majority.

In the media, WVM is variously described as "aggressive", "tattooed", and a "tailgater” who never signals, cuts in front of other drivers and uses the kind of vocabulary that will not be repeated here. He is by necessity a fan of insurance.

Images of this kind, however, are not always founded upon facts. So who is WVM, and what is he like?

After extensive research it has emerged that the average WVM is a 36 year old male, married, with a business of his own. He doesn’t travel too far from home and when on the road listens to the local radio stations. He reads tabloid newspapers and plays football on weekends. He chooses one of the beautiful beaches on the southern coast of Europe to spend his holiday and eats too much junk food. He owns a pet, but it’s not a Rottweiler. A vital part of risky driving is good van insurance and all WVM have the best van insurance they can find.

While WVM may be more accommodating to other van drivers on the road, he doesn't spend much time in their company. He has quite a high opinion of himself - and his driving skills. WVM also tends to see himself as a non-aggressive driver. And because WVM sees himself as a 'good' driver he feels entitled to take the occasional risks which should not be attempted by mere mortals in ordinary cars.