EMB ERJ 170/175 ER/LR
Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP); Flight Crew Multiengine
Conflict Ground Conflict; Critical; Ground Event / Encounter Other / Unknown
Flight Crew Requested ATC Assistance / Clarification; Flight Crew Took Evasive Action
Human Factors
We were on the taxiway taxiing to the runway. I saw a van approaching our aircraft at a moderate speed; then it appeared that the driver began to accelerate into our path. I told the Captain to stop the aircraft; he immediately applied brakes and upon seeing the van turned to the left to avoid a collision. At that moment it then seemed like the driver of the van finally saw us and immediately came to a stop. It is difficult to remember how close we came to the van but I am sure that if either operator had not taken evasive action then a collision; particularly between the van and the number two engine pod; would have been possible. I do not believe that the driver of the van was trying to assert a right-of-way; rather that he or she was not looking where they were driving.We then made an announcement to the passengers explaining what had happened. We coordinated with Ground Control to identify the van and informed them that we had to take evasive action to avoid a collision. After crossing the runways we called the Flight Attendants to ensure that they hadn't been standing and that neither they nor the passengers had been injured. We then departed and completed the flight as normal.
On taxi out the First Officer yelled 'watch out!' This caused me to start depressing the brakes while simultaneously looking over in his direction. At this point I saw a white van that was paralleling us on the ground vehicle road next to the taxiway veer dramatically towards the aircraft. This caused me to maneuver the aircraft to the left in order to avoid a possible collision. After the maneuver we came to a stop; and continued to make our way to the runway for takeoff. We reported the incident to Ground Control; but we could not get an ID on the van due to the fact that it was dark.
ERJ 175 Flight Crew reported a near ground collision with a van.