In 2021, nearly one in five Amazon delivery drivers encountered injuries while on duty, as revealed by a study conducted by the Strategic Organizing Center. Despite this alarming statistic, Amazon often avoids liability for these incidents by asserting that the drivers are not directly employed by the company.
However, the prevalence of accidents involving Amazon trucks underscores the urgency of understanding the contributing factors. Here, we delve into the primary causes behind Amazon delivery truck accidents in Denver, CO:
1. Speeding: A Race Against Time
Amazon delivery drivers operate under stringent time constraints, striving to fulfill hundreds of deliveries daily. This demanding schedule leaves little room for adherence to speed limits. In reality, meeting delivery quotas within designated timeframes while obeying speed regulations becomes an impractical task. Consequently, speeding emerges as a significant catalyst for truck and car accidents.
2. Fatigue: The Silent Menace
Compelled to complete their routes within fixed durations, delivery truck drivers often grapple with exhaustion. The absence of adequate breaks during extended shifts exacerbates feelings of drowsiness behind the wheel. Consequently, fatigue significantly heightens the risk of accidents among Amazon delivery personnel. The longer drivers remain on the road in a single shift, the more likely they are to drive while fatigued or become distracted.
3. Distractions: Navigating Hazards
Navigation tools, such as GPS devices, pose a common distraction for Amazon drivers. While essential for route guidance, frequent glances at GPS screens divert attention from the road ahead. Additionally, administrative tasks, like logging deliveries, may tempt drivers to multitask while driving, amplifying the risk of accidents due to distractions.
4. Illegal Parking and Driving: Breaching Norms
Challenges in finding suitable parking spaces compel many Amazon drivers to resort to illegal parking, thereby compromising road safety. Illegally parked trucks not only impede traffic flow but also heighten the likelihood of collisions. Moreover, instances of driving on restricted roads or maneuvering against traffic flow further escalate accident risks. Compound these illegal driving and parking maneuvers with the large size and weight of a delivery truck and you’ve created a dangerous situation for vehicle occupants and pedestrians in the area.
5. Pedestrian Misconduct: Ignoring Safety
While not directly involving Amazon trucks, pedestrian behavior significantly influences accident probabilities. Many drivers opt for illegal pedestrian crossings to expedite deliveries, disregarding traffic regulations. This reckless conduct, driven by time constraints, jeopardizes both pedestrian and vehicular safety. Crossing in the middle of the road or away from crosswalks may save a moment on a delivery; however, it creates a serious risk of a pedestrian accident where an unsuspecting driver cannot stop quickly enough to avoid collision with the driver.
Prioritize Safety Around Amazon Trucks
Given the heightened accident susceptibility of Amazon truck drivers, exercising caution in their vicinity is paramount. In Denver, Colorado, motorists and pedestrians alike must remain vigilant and afford ample space to these vehicles to mitigate potential hazards. By comprehending the root causes of Amazon delivery truck accidents, stakeholders can proactively address safety concerns, thereby fostering a secure environment for all road users.
If you sustained injuries in a crash involving an Amazon delivery truck, contact our experienced accident attorneys right away to get help protecting your legal rights. Amazon will take every opportunity to protect itself from liable for an accident so the longer you wait to seek experienced legal counsel, the more opportunity you give it to build a case against you. Contact Front Range Injury Attorneys today for a free consultation to learn more about how we can help you.
