The Rise Of Amazon Delivery Accidents And Injuries

With the winter holidays just around the corner, Amazon orders and deliveries will increase dramatically, and as a result, amazon delivery accidents and injuries will also increase. 

The online shopping platform has grown increasingly popular over the past 20 years, with orders skyrocketing during the 2020 pandemic. The company’s profits increased a whopping 220 percent in 2020 as online shopping increased while everyone was home. However, while ordering online and having products dropped at your door is convenient for shoppers, it is much less convenient for the delivery drivers. Amazon drivers face some serious obstacles, such as high delivery quotas, long work hours, little to no time for breaks, and strict policies. These obstacles contribute to the increase in delivery accidents and injuries. 

Why Are Amazon Delivery Accidents and Injury Rates So High?

According to a report from the Strategic Organizing Center (SOC), around 20% of drivers for Amazon’s delivery service partners (DSP) program were hurt on the job in 2021. Drivers must deal with unrealistic demands from Amazon, which can lead to car accidents and driver injuries.

There are many reasons why Amazon delivery accidents and injury rates are so high, including:

• • Unrealistic delivery quotas – Amazon has been accused of putting pressure on drivers during peak times to deliver between 350-400+ deliveries in a single 10-hour shift. That’s one package delivered every one or two minutes. 
  • Lack of breaks/driver fatigue – Due to the unrealistic delivery quotas drivers may not have time for breaks, and may grow fatigued, causing them to make poor decisions that a rational, non-fatigued person would not make.
  • Amazon’s strict policies – Some drivers have claimed that Amazon has threatened to terminate drivers for failing to meet delivery quotas.

• Stress – The pressure to deliver high quantities of packages in a short period may cause drivers to feel stressed and pressured to drive at unsafe speeds to meet goals.

• Technology issues – Drivers are required to follow a pre-determined route set by Amazon. Technological issues or the use of technology may cause drivers to be distracted, which can lead to accidents. 

What Are The Common Accidents and Injuries Sustained?

Common accidents and injuries include:

• Car accidents – due to unsafe driving practices, poor visibility because of packages, and sudden lane changes
• Pedestrian accidents – these accidents can be caused by distracted driving, poor visibility because of packages, and driver fatigue

• Broken bones – due to car accidents, slips and falls, and more
• Back injuries – due to car accidents, slips and falls, long hours, and more
• Wrongful death – drivers and pedestrians can both be involved in accidents that cause their wrongful death

Amazon’s Failure To Help Mitigate Accidents and Injuries

Amazon has been criticized for failing to make accommodations for drivers that may help reduce the chances of accidents and injuries. Amazon requires drivers to follow delivery routes determined by the company’s system, and drivers are strictly prohibited from altering their routes, regardless of whether there is a safer, faster, or better way to arrive at their destination. 

Additionally, there have been reports that drivers in some cities, such as Portland, have requested narrower vehicles to navigate narrower roads more safely. Yet, Amazon has failed to meet these requests. If you or a loved one have been injured while working as an Amazon delivery driver, you deserve justice. Contact an experienced Lexington injury lawyer to learn more about your opinions.