Thanksgiving is right around the corner and December is quickly approaching. We are entering most people’s favorite holiday season. It is a great time to go see family, buy gifts for loved ones, and make lasting memories.
November and December also see a steep increase in the number of delivery cars, vans, and trucks on the roads and in our neighborhoods.
Inexperienced drivers forced to work long hours
Unfortunately, to meet the high demand of online orders during the holiday season, delivery companies often hire new and inexperienced workers which includes drivers. All workers are often asked / forced to work long shifts.
Distracted delivery drivers
Like many other drivers on the road, delivery drivers are often distracted by cell phone use. To make matters worse, delivery drivers are often forced by the companies they work for to use cell phones and other in-vehicle-apps while driving.
For example, Amazon requires drivers to continuously run an app called “Mentor” that monitor the driver’s every move. Amazon publicly claims that this app helps improve safety but fails to mention the diversion of driver attention and the fact that the app notifies the driver when the driver falls behind schedule. This of course implies the driver must pick up the pace. Drivers are scored at the end of the day, in part on speed of delivery, and if they do not score well, they are penalized.
Large corporations do not always have drivers in semi-trucks
Many delivery companies, including major grocery stores and Amazon use drivers who operate smaller passenger vehicles for short delivery distances.
If you or a loved one is injured by an Amazon, FedEx or other delivery vehicle, it is important to work with a knowledgeable attorney who is accustomed to handling the complex layers of coverage in delivery vehicle injury cases. We offer free consultations and can help evaluate any potential case no matter how big or how small.