20 Essential Delivery Driver Safety Tips (From a Pro)
As a delivery driver, you not only have goods to deliver but also must look out for your own safety along the way. It's no secret that every time you hit the open road and drive, there are potential risks - be it mechanical failure of your vehicle or other drivers on the road behaving recklessly. Knowing how to navigate these obstacles is essential both to successfully complete your deliveries and remain safe. With this in mind, we compiled a delivery driver safety checklist with twelve tips designed specifically with delivery drivers in mind so they can stay safe while out on their routes.
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To help ensure a safe and successful delivery experience, we have compiled a list of delivery driver safety tips from PRO delivery drivers who have years of experience working in the industry. Whether you are a new driver or a seasoned veteran, these tips can help you stay safe while delivering goods to your customers.
Delivery driving can be a great job for those looking for part-time work to make extra money, or even for those who enjoy being out and about. However, it is important to understand the potential risks associated with this line of work before making the jump.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics delivery drivers account for nearly 20% of all occupational fatalities and are 1.8 times more likely to be killed on the job than police officers.
Delivery drivers face numerous hazards on the road, such as other drivers not paying attention, bad weather conditions, and even thieves or robbers.
Delivering Amazon packages may seem like a mundane task, but it can be quite dangerous! Amazon Flex drivers as well as Amazon DSP drivers are at risk of injury from even simple things, such as tripping over unseen obstacles and being bitten by customer's pets. Not to mention the more unexpected hazards that arise when dealing with motor vehicles or objects in their path—like fence posts!
Another risk that comes with delivery driving is fatigue. Since many of these quick cash gigs are face-paced gigs and involve long hours of driving, it’s easy to become tired and lose focus on the road. This can lead to dangerous scenarios involving other vehicles or pedestrians crossing in front of your vehicle. Drivers must remain vigilant at all times while behind the wheel and take every precaution they can to stay safe.
Drivers also need to be aware of their surroundings when they are away from their vehicles. Delivery drivers may find themselves in unfamiliar areas late at night which can make them vulnerable to potential attacks from criminals or strangers. It is important that they know their rights if approached by suspicious individuals and get back into their vehicles as soon as possible. It is also important for delivery drivers to follow safety protocols for entering private residences such as knocking on doors before entering and checking out any suspicious people in the area before carrying out a delivery.
Lastly, there are some legal considerations that come with delivery driving that must be taken into account. Depending on what type of deliveries you are doing, you may need specific licenses or permits in order to operate legally within certain jurisdictions or regions. Furthermore, there are sometimes taxes or fees attached to certain types of deliveries that must be paid promptly in order to avoid fines or penalties from law enforcement authorities.
Overall, there are several risks associated with delivery driving that must be considered before joining this line of work or continuing in it over time. By knowing the potential dangers ahead of time, you’ll have a better chance of staying safe throughout your shift and avoiding any unwanted incidents down the road.
At Bestreferraldriver, our team of independent couriers have created an informative delivery driver safety training guide to ensure the utmost protection while on the roads. Packed with practical and savvy tips straight from experienced drivers themselves, this resource is sure to put your worries at ease.
Whether you are a truck driver, or a food delivery driver, here are 20 tips to help keep you safe:
Make sure you are aware of your surroundings at all times. Pay attention to details like what time it is, who is around and what kind of neighborhood or area you’re in. Keep an eye out for suspicious activity and call the police if anything seems off.
While delivering for Instacart, Walmart or other last mile delivery apps, you don't need to worry about going through the hassle of vehicle inspection - a refreshing change from rideshare drivers!
However, maintaining your delivery vehicle is important to ensure it's in good working order and runs safely.
Taking the time to regularly check and replace fluids, tires, brakes and other parts will help keep your car or truck running at its best. You should also pay attention to any warning lights or sounds that may indicate a problem and have them checked out right away.
Additionally, get regular oil changes and tune ups as recommended by your vehicle manufacturer to ensure optimal performance. By staying on top of vehicle maintenance, you can maximize fuel efficiency, extend the life of your car or truck and save money on costly repairs down the road. Finally, do not foget to choose the right insurance coverage for delivery drivers.
If you need to deliver something onto someone’s property, wait outside until they come out or until they give permission to enter. If you work for food delivery companies such as Uber Eats or Doordash you can use the driver app to contact the customer.
If something doesn’t feel right, trust your intuition and leave immediately if necessary. It’s better to be safe than sorry!
Double check that all packages have been securely fastened in the delivery van before taking off for the next stop on route.
Distracted driving is becoming an increasingly dangerous problem in the United States, contributing to a startling statistic. According to the CDC nine people each day lose their lives due to distracted drivers.
Don't use your cell phone or any other electronic devices while driving as this can easily distract from being attentive to the road and your environment surrounding it.
Whenever possible, park in well-lit areas during deliveries for added security and visibility.
Be sure not to leave the doors unlocked when leaving the car unattended , even if only for a short period of time .
Carrying pepper spray or another form of self defense can help give an extra layer of security while out on deliveries . Just remember , using these tools should always be a last resort before calling authorities for assistance .
Having an emergency kit on hand can help you be prepared for almost any situation. An emergency kit should include items such as a first aid kit, a flashlight, extra batteries, blankets or sleeping bags, food and water supplies, and other necessary items. Having these items will not only provide comfort in an emergency, but also help you stay safe and make sure that you have the supplies you need to get through it.
Additionally, if you are ever stranded in your car during bad weather or even on a deserted road, having an emergency kit can give you more peace of mind knowing that you have access to basic necessities should they be needed.
Before setting off on any new delivery route , sit down and map out directions ahead of time so as not to get lost or lose track of stops during delivery trips .
Having knowledge about local resources such as police departments , fire departments , hospitals , tow truck services etc., can prepare drivers for any issue that may arise during delivery trips ahead of time and help alleviate stress should an emergency occur unexpectedly during shifts .
Advances in technology now allow us to quickly and conveniently order virtually anything from the comfort of our own home. There are delivery apps out there that make it easy to get groceries and food with just a few clicks. Some of these delivery apps accept cash payments.
For maximum security and peace of mind, steer clear of any delivery tasks that require cash. And if you still feel uneasy about your safety while on the job, remember companies like Doordash have created a special food delivery driver safety program to protect Dashers allowing delivery drivers to get in touch with an ADT agent with a tap on the dasher app.
One of the amazon delivery driver safety tips to remember is to wear a reflective vest while out on deliveries. Reflective vests are comfortable and lightweight, and ensure that you remain visible when making your rounds. Not only will wearing a safety vest keep other drivers on the road informed of your presence, but it can also help protect you from potential hazards or threats. Keep in mind that Amazon delivery driver safety is important not just to you but to those around you - so make sure to equip yourself with a reflective vest when out delivering packages!
Driving defensively and being aware of other drivers is one of the best delivery driver safety rules. Defensive driving is a technique that all motorists should learn, as it helps to keep both themselves and others on the road protected.
It involves using preventative measures to actively anticipate potential dangers, such as staying alert, avoiding distractions, maintaining a safe following distance and always being mindful of other drivers' actions. To practice defensive driving, you should also be aware of what other drivers are doing around you and adjust your own driving accordingly. Additionally, make sure to stay within speed limits and never follow too closely behind another vehicle.
Driving in bad weather can be hazardous and it is important to stay alert for any potential road hazards or slick conditions.
During rain, snow, sleet or freezing temperatures, the roads can quickly become slippery and unpredictable. It can be hard to see when there is a large amount of precipitation and visibility may also be restricted due to fog or heavy winds. Additionally, icy patches and frozen puddles can form quickly without warning, making it difficult to remain in control of the vehicle.
To drive safely in such conditions, drivers should slow down and increase their following distance in order to have more time to react if the situation changes suddenly.
Do not forget to wear sunglasses while driving on sunny days
.If anything looks suspicious or just isn't right , report it immediately by calling 911 or alerting local authorities depending on the severity level of the situation encountered.
Getting adequate rest before going on long trips is essential for making sure that you have the energy and focus to get through the journey. When your body is well-rested, it’s better able to handle stress and fatigue that can come with a long trip, such as a long flight or a long drive. If you’re not well-rested, you may find yourself struggling to stay alert and focused on the road or during your travels. That could potentially lead to dangerous situations if you become too tired while behind the wheel or navigating unfamiliar terrain. To ensure that you make it safely from point A to point B, it’s important to get plenty of sleep before embarking on any journey so that your body is in top condition for the duration of your trip.
Taking a break on longer trips and listening to music between deliveries is an important way to stay motivated and focused. Taking breaks can help prevent fatigue, allowing you to stay alert and energized for the rest of your route. Listening to music can help keep your spirits up, especially if you’re driving through unfamiliar areas or dealing with challenging traffic. Music also helps stimulate creativity and encourages problem solving, which can be beneficial when mapping out the best routes for your deliveries. Taking regular breaks and listening to music can make all the difference in how successful – and enjoyable – your journey is!
GPS navigation tools can be extremely helpful, but it’s important to use them wisely. Don’t rely on them too much, and always be aware of your surroundings. GPS can sometimes lead you astray, so it’s important to know how to read a map and use other navigational tools as well.
One tip that has benefited me is using an app like Life 360 to let my family track me while I'm on the road. The free app allows you to share your real-time location with designated contacts, giving peace of mind to both you and your loved ones. Plus, the app has additional features like crash detection. I highly recommend all delivery drivers consider using Life 360 or a similar app for added safety on the job.
Another important delivery driver safety tip is to always have a partner or assistant with you when making deliveries, especially in unfamiliar or potentially dangerous areas. companies like Doordash and Uber Eats allow pair delivery. A partner can help keep an eye out for potential hazards and provide additional support in case of an emergency. Additionally, having a partner or assistant can help deter would-be criminals and make it less likely that you will be a target for theft or assault. By working together as a team, you can help ensure a safe and successful delivery experience.
Delivery driving jobs come with a unique set of risks, but in this delivery driver safety training program we shared with you the best tips that will help you minimize those risks and help ensure that every delivery goes smoothly. Do you have any other safety tips to share? For more information on delivery driving, be sure to check out our blog.
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