Delivery drivers face unique risks and hazards on the road every day. Operating large vehicles through congested city streets or long hours driving on highways can lead to fatigue and dangerous driving behaviors. Understanding the most common causes of delivery vehicle accidents can help prevent accidents.
Distracted Driving
One of the leading causes of all motor vehicle accidents, including among delivery drivers, is distracted driving. Delivery drivers often face distractions from mobile devices, interacting with computer systems in the vehicle, eating while driving, or simply being lost in thought. Even brief moments of distraction can result in a collision or running off the road.
Delivery drivers should refrain from texting, calling, or inputting information into computers or GPS units while the vehicle is in motion. Eating or drinking should be avoided as well. Being mentally distracted can be just as hazardous as a visual distraction.
Fatigued Driving
Fatigue and drowsiness are major risks, especially for delivery drivers with long routes or extended shifts. Fatigued drivers can experience delayed reactions, poor decision making, vision issues, and reduced alertness. Microsleeps, or brief loss of consciousness, can occur as well.
Many delivery companies enforce limits on hours of service to mitigate fatigue-related accidents. However, drivers also need to ensure they get adequate rest between shifts, take scheduled breaks during long routes, stay hydrated, and watch for any signs that they are too tired to drive safely.
Aggressive Driving
Operating large delivery vehicles on congested roadways can lead some drivers to engage in more aggressive driving behaviors. Excessive speeding, frequent or unsafe lane changes, tailgating other vehicles, and other aggressive actions all sharply increase accident risk.
Failure to Yield Right of Way
Collisions at intersections are common among all types of drivers, including delivery vehicle operators. Failing to yield the right of way when turning or entering a roadway is often a key factor in these crashes.
Delivery drivers need to be vigilant when pulling out of driveways or parking lots, turning at intersections, and merging with traffic. Checking for oncoming vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists can prevent dangerous conflicts. Proper use of turn signals, mirrors, and avoiding distractions are vital safe driving habits as well. Rushing turning maneuvers is a frequent cause of serious T-bone crashes.
Backing Up Accidents
The large size of delivery vehicles, along with cargo boxes and trailers that obstruct rear views, make backing up especially hazardous. Backing into other vehicles, fixed objects, pedestrians, or cyclists accounts for many delivery vehicle accidents annually.
Drivers should avoid backing up whenever possible. When backing is necessary, they should be sure to physically get out and check their surroundings first. Having a spotter assist with backing maneuvers is also recommended whenever feasible. Installing cameras and proximity detection systems on vehicles can also help mitigate backing collisions.
Inclement Weather Conditions
Driving any vehicle in rain, snow, fog, or other harsh weather presents challenges that increase accident risk. Reduced visibility, slippery road surfaces, and unpredictable vehicle control all require extra caution from delivery drivers.
Mechanical Problems
Technical failures in brakes, tires, steering, or other critical vehicle systems can quickly lead to accidents if they occur during driving. Delivery companies should have thorough maintenance programs to inspect and service vehicles regularly. Drivers also need to be attentive to any potential warning signs of a mechanical issue so they can get it addressed promptly.
Regardless of preventive maintenance, critical parts can still fail without warning.
Driver Inexperience
New delivery drivers who are still gaining necessary skills and experience are at higher risk for accidents. Most carriers require extensive training programs for new drivers to develop safe habits and key techniques for operating large delivery trucks. Ongoing training and mentoring helps reinforce positive behaviors over time as well.
Avoiding Common Delivery Vehicle Accident Causes
While delivery driving has inherent risks and challenges, training, preparation, and focus on safety can help avoid many accidents. Eliminating distractions, managing fatigue, following traffic laws, frequent vehicle maintenance, and continued skill development are all key factors to reducing collision frequency and severity. Delivery companies and drivers share the responsibility to make road safety a top priority.
What To Do If You Are Hit By a Delivery Driver
If you are hit by a delivery vehicle, here are some key things you should do.
First, assess your medical condition and get to safety if possible. Find a safe place to stop and call 911 if you or anyone else involved appears injured or your vehicle is disabled. Seek immediate medical attention even for seemingly minor injuries, as there may be unseen trauma like concussions or internal bleeding.
If your vehicle is still operational, move it to a safe location like a parking lot or side street. Use lights to alert other motorists, especially if your vehicle is blocking traffic lanes. However, do not leave the immediate scene of the accident before the police arrive.
When law enforcement officers get to the scene, cooperate fully with their investigation and inquiries. Be prepared to show your license, registration, and insurance information. Give an objective, factual statement about what transpired, including details like the time, weather and road conditions, speed, visibility, other vehicles involved, and whether you believe the delivery driver was behaving negligently. If possible, take photos documenting damage, skid marks, and location.
Exchange contact and insurance information with the delivery driver as well. Obtain their name, company name, vehicle and license details, insurance provider, and a phone number where they can be reached. This facilitates the claims process later. Avoid speculating on fault or making accusatory statements.
Consult a qualified personal injury lawyer to protect your rights. An attorney can handle negotiations with insurance providers, file claims on your behalf, prove liability and damages, and pursue fair compensation for both vehicle repairs and any related medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, or other losses stemming from the delivery driver’s negligence. With legal guidance from us, you can focus on healing while your lawyer advocates for you.
Get in touch with us if you’ve been involved in an accident with a delivery driver. You can visit our office at 6671 Southwest Freeway Suite 220, Houston, TX 77074.
Call us today for a free consultation on (713) 231-0194.