How To Stay Safe As A Delivery Driver In 2024

Delivery drivers are an essential part of the modern economy, and yet it’s one of the most dangerous jobs, with a unique set of safety challenges. Data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, for example, shows that 887 delivery and truck drivers died at work during 2020 — and that’s not even counting injuries. 

That’s a lot of unnecessary pain, suffering and expense for drivers, their families, their employers and the economy as a whole. So how can delivery drivers stay safe on the road, and how can businesses improve safety for their employees? In this blog we’ll give tips for drivers and employers alike. But first, let’s look at why driving for a living is so dangerous in the first place. 

Why is it so dangerous to be a delivery driver?

There are many reasons why delivery drivers are at such high risk. To start with, it’s dangerous to be on the road at all – worldwide, road accidents are the third-highest cause of death for people aged between 15 and 49.

For delivery drivers who spend many hours on the road, the dangers multiply. A survey of gig economy drivers in the UK found that 75% have had to take action to avoid a crash, 63% have had to park illegally to make a delivery, and 47% say the pressures of work sometimes lead them to travel over the speed limit. There are also risks associated with late night driving, long hours, fatigue, and mobile phone distractions. Finally, last mile delivery drivers are also at risk for crimes like carjacking and robbery. 

Delivery driver safety tips for managers and employers

Fortunately, there is a lot that business owners and managers can do to improve workplace safety for drivers. If you’re in the delivery services industry, here are eight ways to protect your drivers from potential risks:

1. Give your delivery drivers proper training

Just because someone has a driver’s license, that doesn’t mean they’re a great driver! So one of the most important steps you can take to ensure your delivery drivers' safety is to ensure they are properly trained. Once someone passes your hiring process, you should offer extensive training and make sure they understand all your safety protocols. This includes training on safe driving practices, road laws, and company policies, like how to speak with customers and handle no-contact deliveries.

Topics like defensive driving, navigating unfamiliar routes, loading and unloading packages safely, blind spot awareness, avoiding distractions, and more should all be included in your training program. If you don't have an in-house safety expert, you can use an online delivery driver safety training course as a guide. 

2. Provide the necessary resources and equipment

Driving is a physically demanding job. So, make sure your drivers have the right tools and resources to get the job done safely. This includes the right vehicles, comfortable seating positions, and other necessary safety equipment such as seatbelts, airbags, and emergency lights.

Delivery drivers also need appropriate protective gear when making deliveries. This could include reflective clothing, safety vests, and gloves.

3. Establish a delivery driver safety policy and reporting system

It's important to establish a safety policy that clearly outlines the steps dispatchers, planners and drivers should take to maintain safety. This should include rules for driving, how to handle emergencies, and what to do if there is an accident. 

Remember that safety is not just the driver’s job! Driver fatigue is a big safety problem, and it can be caused by over-long shifts that don’t include enough time for breaks. So, include guidelines for driver shift schedules in your policy to avoid overwork and fatigue. 

💡Pro tip: Driver scheduling is a lot easier if you’re using good delivery management software. In Routific, for example, you can easily set default shift times and compare routes to balance the workload fairly between drivers. 

It’s also a good idea to establish a reporting system for drivers to report any safety concerns or incidents they may experience on the job. This helps ensure that all issues are addressed promptly, and proper corrective action is taken.

4. Schedule regular breaks

As we noted above, fatigue is one of the leading causes of delivery driver safety risks on the road. To combat this, businesses should encourage their drivers to take regular breaks — and that means actually scheduling them, not just saying “oh, remember to take breaks” while leaving the rest of a demanding schedule unchanged. This can help your drivers stay alert and focused while also reducing their risk of fatigue-related accidents. Breaks should include opportunities for rest and recuperation, as well as meals and snacks. You may see an improvement in the quality of your customer interactions as a side effect — it’s hard to be friendly when you’re exhausted!

5. Invest in technology to monitor driver performance

Technology can be a great asset when it comes to ensuring delivery driver safety. GPS tracking devices, dash cams, and other technologies can be used to monitor driver performance and ensure they are following safety protocols.

Telematics systems, for example, are increasingly popular and give drivers real-time feedback on their speed, braking, and other important driving metrics. This data can then be used to create actionable plans to help reduce the risk of accidents. Another good application of technology is the text-to-speech functionality present in most cell phones, which can keep the driver’s hands on the wheel at all times.

6. Use route optimization software

Route optimization can help delivery managers create safe and efficient routes for their drivers. When you optimize routes so that you’re taking the most efficient path, you can cut the amount of time delivery drivers spend on the road, and thus the risk of fatigue-related crashes. You can also use route optimization to avoid congested areas and dangerous roads. 

7. Take drivers out of the customer communications loop

While on the road, your drivers should be able to focus exclusively on getting safely to their destination. The last thing they need is to be fielding customer calls or texts asking where their delivery is. Let your dispatchers or customer support staff handle that from the back office. Even better, take advantage of automated customer notifications so customers can follow the progress of their deliveries without any need for calls or emails. 

8. Maintain vehicles properly

Regular vehicle maintenance checks for your delivery fleet are absolutely essential. This helps ensure that vehicles remain in top condition and are safe to drive every time they are used. Plus, having an up-to-date maintenance schedule can help identify potential problems before they become too serious.  

9. Conduct regular safety meetings

Creating a culture of safety takes time — but it can reduce the risk of injuries and death, and also lead to better delivery times and a great customer experience. Hold regular safety meetings for your whole delivery operations team to ensure everyone understands the importance of safety. Go over any important safety information and discuss potential risks on and off the road to ensure that dispatchers, planners, and drivers are up-to-date on the latest safety protocols and aware of any changes in the industry. To create a better culture of safety, you can also highlight safety achievements and provide incentives for safe driving practices.

Delivery driver safety tips for individual drivers

Employers can do a lot to improve safety, but ultimately the person behind the wheel is responsible for their own safety and that of others they encounter on the road. Here are some steps you can take to improve your own safety while making deliveries. 

1. Drive defensively and avoid distractions

Practice defensive driving techniques. This means being ready to react at all times, avoiding distractions, and obeying the speed limit. Being mindful of other drivers will also help you keep an eye out for potential hazards.

2. Follow the rules of the road

Every driver should be familiar with the rules of the road and follow them at all times. This includes not only following traffic laws, but also using common sense when driving in difficult conditions such as bad weather or poor visibility. 

3. Don’t drive when tired

Driving when tired can cause severe accidents, and should be avoided at all costs. Make sure you get enough rest before getting behind the wheel, and take regular breaks to help you stay alert and focused.

4. Wear a seatbelt

Always wear your seatbelt while driving, no matter how short the trip is. This simple step should never be overlooked. Not only is this the law in most places, but it can also save your life in the event of an accident. Also make sure your passengers, if any, are wearing their seatbelts as well.  

6. Plan ahead and stay alert

Having a plan before heading out on a delivery route can help drivers stay alert and proactive. Drivers should be aware of their delivery route, possible traffic issues, weather conditions, and any other factors that could affect their journey. Knowing your surroundings and planning can help you avoid potential hazards and reach your destination safely.  

7. Perform daily vehicle checks

Before leaving on each delivery, drivers should perform a quick check of their vehicle to make sure it is in good working order. This includes checking the tires, fluid levels, windshield wipers, lights, and brakes to ensure the vehicle is safe to drive. 

8. Report safety concerns immediately

If you notice any potential safety concerns or incidents while on the job, you should report them to your employer immediately. This helps ensure any issues are addressed as quickly as possible and that proper corrective action is taken. 

9. Try to improve your driver ergonomics

As a delivery driver, you should make sure that you are taking steps to ensure your own comfort and safety while on the job. Having a proper seating position, using lumbar support when needed, stretching regularly, and taking breaks throughout the day will help you avoid fatigue. Remember to stay hydrated and keep a healthy snack on hand!

10. Advocate for yourself with your employer

If you feel like your employer is not taking the necessary steps to ensure a safe work environment, for example by giving you a schedule that doesn’t allow for breaks, speak up and advocate for yourself. By voicing your concerns, you can help create an environment where everyone takes delivery driver safety seriously. 

11. Practice healthy eating and hydration habits

To stay alert and focused while on the job, it is important for drivers to maintain healthy eating and hydration habits. This means staying hydrated throughout the day, avoiding junk food, and eating a balanced diet. 

12. Carry a safety kit or first aid kit 

It is always a good idea to carry a safety kit or first aid kit with you in case of an emergency. This should include items such as a flashlight, flares, and jumper cables. It shoud also contain the basic medical supplies like bandages, antiseptic wipes, and over-the-counter medicines like Paracetamol and Ibuprofen. 

The bottom line

Delivery driving can be a rewarding career, but it comes with many safety risks. Following these delivery driver safety tips and taking the necessary precautionary steps can help reduce the risk of accidents and ensure safety on the road. Plus, when delivery managers and drivers assume responsibility for their safety, it can also improve the safety of everyone while working.