Harsh realities and dangers delivery drivers face
When you order from Uber Eats or any other delivery service, you probably don’t think twice about the potential dangers delivery drivers face. But the recent news of an Uber driver killed in Florida may give you a new appreciation for just how risky an occupation this can be.
A terrifying crime
Stories simply don’t get much more horrible than what happened to the Uber driver killed in Florida, identified as Randall William Cooke, 59. He was just doing his job, making his final stop of the day when he approached a home in Holiday, about 30 miles north of Tampa.
In April 2023, the resident of the home, a 30-year-old man who police say was a member of the notorious MS-13 gang, allegedly tried to rob Cooke and then killed him. Not only that, he dismembered the victim’s body, stuffing remains in trash bags that were found throughout the home.
If you’re a delivery driver and you’ve suffered an injury on the job, the law firm of Lytal, Reiter, Smith, Ivey & Fronrath may be able to help you obtain compensation. Please don’t hesitate to contact us online for a free consultation, or give us a call at (561) 655-1990.
A quick overview of the delivery industry
The world has changed in a lot of ways since COVID. One of the most dramatic is the way that people eat. Driven largely by the pandemic, the global food delivery market is estimated at more than $150 billion. Delivery was already on the rise in the U.S. before COVID, but doubled after the pandemic, already seeing growth of 8%.
Understanding the dangers delivery drivers face
It’s almost impossible to overstate just how many risks delivery drivers have to confront every day. According to a survey of drivers in the Washington, DC area, 51% of them said they either felt unsafe or feared for their well-being at some point.
What’s even more disturbing is that several drivers said they didn’t even bother to report incidents. The reason was they assumed they’d face penalties for incomplete or disrupted deliveries. They also said they didn’t think their employers would even care.
Respondents reported facing not only verbal harassment and threats but also physical attacks and even carjacking.
The news is increasingly filled with stories of delivery drivers being shot, or attacked in other ways. They may not be as graphic as the tragedy of the Uber driver killed in Florida mentioned above, but they’re no less disturbing. The following are just a few examples.
- In April 2023, two female drivers were sexually attacked in a Tampa apartment complex.
- That same month, two grocery delivery drivers in Davie, FL reported being shot at when delivering groceries to the wrong home.
- A food delivery driver in Philadelphia was critically wounded while inside his vehicle.
Factors contributing to the risks faced by delivery drivers
There are a lot of reasons being a delivery driver is a dangerous occupation, such as:
- Unsafe driving conditions – Drivers often have to navigate wet roads and other hazards on a regular basis.
- Negligent drivers – Delivery workers must also contend with careless motorists. These other drivers will speed, text, and talk on their phones, and exhibit other kinds of dangerous behavior.
- Aggressive customers – The men and women who deliver food have multiple interactions with customers every day. While the vast majority of them don’t result in any incidents, there are times when customers will be angry. The driver might have arrived late, or the restaurant may have made a mistake with the order. The customer might simply be having a bad day. Whatever the reason, drivers take their chances every time they approach a home or business with a delivery.
Initiatives to improve delivery driver safety
Thankfully, delivery companies are taking steps in an effort to reduce the dangers drivers face and avoid tragedies like that of the Uber driver killed in Florida.
For example, Uber Eats has created a “Driver Share My Trip” app, which allows delivery drivers to share their location with friends and family members.
Grubhub also provides technology to drivers that can immediately get them in contact with emergency personnel. The “Swipe for 911” app, for instance, allows drivers to share their location, phone number, and name details with 911 dispatchers by just tapping and swiping their phones. Drivers also have the ability to instantly connect with agents through voice or text if they feel unsafe.
Personal safety strategies for delivery drivers
There are other steps delivery drivers can take to stay safe, including the following:
- Always drive defensively, continually monitoring their blind spots and traveling at a safe speed.
- They should also familiarize themselves with their territory so they know where they are at all times.
- Keep money hidden and limit the amount of money on hand.
- Only deliver to valid addresses, not unoccupied homes or businesses.
- Stay in well-lighted areas whenever possible.
- If delivering to a hotel, leave the food at the front desk rather than going to a room.
Our law firm is standing by
We hope people have a great appreciation for delivery drivers after learning of the horrible story of the Uber driver killed in Florida, as well as the other risks drivers face. Please get in touch with Lytal, Reiter, Smith, Ivey & Fronrath if you’re a driver and you’ve suffered an injury in the course of your work. Schedule a free case evaluation with one of our skilled Florida personal injury lawyers by calling (561) 655-1990 or using our online contact form.Get in touch with Lytal, Reiter, Smith, Ivey & Fronrath to learn more about how we may be able to help with your MSA workers comp requirements. You can use our online form or call (561) 655-1990.
