Delivery trucks make up much of the traffic clogging California’s busy roads and highways. You may be surprised to learn that delivery drivers are generally not held to a higher standard of safety, such as truck drivers, despite the challenge of operating a larger vehicle on the road.
In fact, sometimes delivery drivers are encouraged by their employers to deliver as many packages as possible, as soon as possible, with safety not always being a priority.
The number of delivery trucks on the road has also increased in recent years. Many purchases can now be made online, with few purchases requiring a physical visit to a storefront, leading to a need for more delivery drivers.
Delivery service statistics
Parcel Pending states that there were approximately 87 billion packages delivered in 2018 and that number is only expected to grow in the future. By 2025, the number is expected to be over 200 billion.
This demand for deliveries has resulted in the top delivery companies hiring more drivers and putting more delivery trucks on the road.
Delivery trucks come in many shapes and sizes, but almost all are larger than the average size vehicle. Delivery trucks are comparable to tractor-trailers on the roads which means that an accident with a delivery truck is likely to cause major injuries or be fatal.
Lack of experience
There are many causes of delivery driver accidents. One is the lack of experience of delivery drivers.
Truck drivers are required to have a commercial driver’s license, which they obtain by undergoing additional training.
This is not always a requirement in the delivery industry, which means delivery drivers with only a standard driver’s license could be out on the roads operating a vehicle equivalent to a large truck.
Lack of regulations
Additionally, trucking industry regulations require truckers to take meal and rest breaks at certain times to prevent driver fatigue. There are no similar regulations in the delivery industry, but delivery drivers are still expected to meet deadlines.
This increases the chance of fatigued delivery drivers on the roads and can also cause delivery drivers to drive aggressively to stay on schedule.
Distracted driving
Delivery truck drivers are typically driving unknown routes, relying on their GPS or navigation system to get them to their destination. This can lead to distracted driving which is another major cause of delivery truck accidents.
In addition to navigation systems, using a phone, eating, drinking or taking their eyes off the road to look at something outside the truck are other forms of distracted driving that can cause an accident.
Improper cargo loading
A delivery truck accident can happen due to improper cargo loading. As with not receiving training on driving a large vehicle, delivery truck drivers are often not trained on how to properly load their vehicles. This can cause the vehicles to tip or roll over in traffic.
If you are involved in an accident with a delivery truck driver, call the police and obtain a report. Obtain medical treatment for any injuries. Get checked out by a medical professional even if you do not believe you are injured.
After that, gather documentation and evidence of the accident. You have legal options for compensation after the accident.