As the holidays draw near, the rise in online shopping and food orders paints a lively picture. According to the United States Postal Service, there were over 13 billion packages and mailpieces delivered during the 2022 holiday season. That doesn’t include numbers from drivers for companies like Amazon, UberEats, Instacart and others.
For the delivery drivers who make it all happen, this busy season also brings about increased dangers. Amidst the surge in delivery demand, icy sidewalks, dog bites and tricky driving conditions make for challenging tasks for these workers.
Slippery sidewalks
For those delivering packages and food orders during the holidays, one major obstacle is the slippery state of sidewalks. As winter takes hold, icy paths become commonplace, turning routine deliveries into risky ventures.
To get the job done, delivery drivers must navigate these frozen surfaces with care to avoid slips and falls. Balancing packages, food bags and drinks while treading cautiously may become tricky to prevent accidents that could lead to injuries and delayed deliveries.
Owners of the property responsible for the sidewalk may be liable for injuries that occur from a slip and fall on the ice.
Dangerous dog bites
Dogs, usually cherished pets, can become unexpected threats during holiday deliveries. Dogs may react unpredictably to unfamiliar faces approaching a home, posing a danger to delivery drivers.
The risk of dog bites can spike during this festive period due to higher stress levels for these pets. Drivers need to exercise caution and be ready to handle encounters. Pet owners should also take measures to safeguard pets from getting loose and coming in contact with unfamiliar delivery personnel.
Hazardous driving conditions
The risk of car accidents may rise with winter conditions, putting both the drivers’ safety and the timely delivery of packages in jeopardy. Approximately 24% of weather-related accidents happen on icy, snowy or slushy pavement.
Driving on busy streets requires extra attention. Drivers must also deal with the pressure to meet delivery deadlines while ensuring their own safety on the road.
Safe celebrations
The holiday season brings a wave of heightened dangers for the dedicated individuals making sure packages reach their destinations. Taking precautions to secure animals, drive safely and clear icy walkways may make the season safer for those working hard to deliver packages on time.
