Why Do Food Delivery Drivers Cause So Many Accidents?

 Posted on November 08, 2024 in Car Accidents

As food delivery options becomes more and more popular, the amount of accidents caused by food delivery drivers has gone up. Drivers who work for companies like UberEats and DoorDash are usually rushing around from restaurant to restaurant and trying to drop off food as quickly as possible in unfamiliar neighborhoods. This creates a perfect storm of issues like distraction, being in a hurry, and driving unfamiliar routes that can all raise the risk of an accident. Accidents caused by food delivery drivers are often severe enough to cause serious bodily harm to others. If you were injured by a food delivery driver, a dedicated Orland Park, IL car accident lawyer can help you pursue compensation.

Drivers Are in a Rush to Deliver Food 

Drivers working as contractors for national delivery services like GrubHub generally get paid per delivery, and most of their compensation comes in the form of tips. Drivers who deliver food quickly and while it is still hot can get better tips and make more total deliveries while working. This means that these drivers are often in a hurry, causing them to speed or break other traffic laws to get there faster.

Food Delivery Drivers Rely on Apps

Food delivery drivers nearly always have their cell phones in front of them. Drivers rely on an app to show them where their next delivery is, when they have been paid, and when they receive ratings that could impact their employment. This means that food delivery drivers are often taking their eyes off the road to look at their apps. Being distracted by personal messages or alerts is also more likely when drivers are frequently looking at their phones.

Driving an Unfamiliar Route is Less Safe 

Drivers who are half-lost trying to find an unfamiliar residence or do not know the neighborhood they are driving in may be more likely to cause an accident. While a local would know where the left lane becomes a turn-only lane and be able to move over well in advance, a delivery driver might have to change lanes very abruptly, a riskier maneuver. Drivers who are not sure of the route are also more prone to looking at the map on their phones.

People Who Drive as a Job Can Become Complacent 

People who spend eight hours a day driving around often begin to feel very safe behind the wheel and may start to let their guard down. Drivers may start to believe that if they have not had a serious accident in several years of doing this work, they are not going to. This can lead to overconfident drivers trying to multi-task while driving, using drugs or alcohol, or engaging in risky habits.

Contact an Orland Park, IL Food Delivery Accident Lawyer 

Law Office of J. Francis Barker, P.C. is committed to recovering the highest amount of compensation possible on behalf of our clients. Experienced Cook County, IL delivery accident attorney J. Francis Barker will do all he can to win you the compensation you deserve. Contact us at 708-321-1223 for a free consultation.