As we observe social distancing, more people are turning to delivery apps like DoorDash and UberEats for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. While these apps are undoubtedly convenient, we need to consider the costs of using these apps. The dangers of delivery driving were present before the pandemic and they may be worse when everything is back to normal.
What are the Risks?
Delivery driving presents many risks, especially in normal workday traffic. Generally, drivers are on a tight schedule to deliver orders. That pressure encourages them to run changing lights and engage in other risky driving maneuvers. Additionally, delivery drivers often find themselves in unfamiliar neighborhoods and may have to park illegally, causing a potential traffic jam.
Many claim that using delivery apps actually decreases the number of cars on the road. This is only partially true. While a delivery driver can handle multiple orders, most of them spend 50% of their time “deadheading.”
Deadheading means an app driver is aimlessly driving around waiting for a match, wasting gas, polluting the air, adding traffic congestion, and increasing the likelihood of an accident. Meanwhile, someone picking up their own order or going out to dinner travels to their location and back without unnecessary detours.
What Can We Do About It?
Traffic accidents rise by 3% whenever delivery apps and rideshare services arrive in a new community. That’s an increase of 12,000 crashes per year in Florida alone or 180,000 accidents per year nationwide. That seemingly small increase represents a cost of $9 billion per year in damages and medical treatment.
Delivery apps are convenient, but they’re also costly. Next time you want your groceries or food delivered, consider getting them yourself. It just might save a life.
If you or someone you love suffered serious injuries or even wrongful death in a truck accident. If you’d like an experienced Gulfport auto accident attorney from Gulf South Law Firm to evaluate your case, please send us an email or call (228) 231-3989.