Amazon has built its retail empire on ultra-fast delivery, promising Prime members free one-day and same-day shipping on millions of items. While fast delivery delights customers, it places intense pressure on Amazon’s delivery partners to meet demanding timelines. This pressure may contribute to unsafe driving practices that threaten public safety.
Recent investigations have scrutinized Amazon’s delivery operations in Georgia, where contract delivery companies are racing to satisfy the e-commerce giant’s tight delivery windows. As Amazon pushes for faster turnaround times, are their contracted drivers sacrificing safety for speed on Georgia’s roads and highways? This article reviews the risks of Amazon’s delivery demands in Georgia and their implications for roadway accidents.
Surge in Accidents Among Amazon Delivery Drivers
Over the last few years, accidents involving Amazon delivery vehicles have surged across the country. One study found that one in five Amazon drivers were injured while doing their jobs in 2021, a 40% increase from the year before.
While some accidents are unavoidable, traffic safety advocates argue that Amazon’s aggressive delivery quotas contribute to risky driving behavior like distraction, speeding, and fatigue. With such high demand for super-quick deliveries, drivers feel intense pressure to deliver as many packages as possible within short timeframes. This pressure can lead to careless mistakes or intentional disregard of traffic laws.
Amazon’s Delivery Quotas in Georgia
Amazon imposes strict quotas on its contracted delivery companies to fulfill Prime shipping promises. Amazon tracks driver productivity in real-time and requires that 999 out of 1000 packages be delivered on time. According to recent investigations, Amazon expects drivers in Georgia to deliver upwards of 300 packages daily, with shifts as long as 15 hours each day.
Such high delivery targets may force drivers to skip breaks, overload their vans, and rush between stops as quickly as possible. Excessive workloads combined with unrealistic delivery quotas are a recipe for hazardous driving.
Driver Fatigue and Motor Vehicle Crashes
Exhausted drivers are unsafe drivers. But with Amazon’s high delivery targets, drivers have little time to rest between shifts. Fatigued drivers are at higher risk for accidents since lack of sleep impairs concentration, reaction time, and judgment. Drowsy driving causes thousands of crashes every year, and drivers working long shifts for Amazon are especially susceptible.
Despite fatigue risks, Amazon’s delivery quotas pressure drivers to skip breaks to complete more deliveries. Investigations found that Amazon rewards drivers who forego federally mandated 30-minute breaks. Overworked drivers trying to boost their performance metrics have a strong incentive to cut corners on safety, whether it means driving while fatigued or speeding to complete routes faster. Amazon’s intense monitoring of driver productivity enables – and possibly even encourages – these hazardous practices.
Is Amazon Responsible for Delivery Accidents?
On one hand, Amazon relies on independent contractors, not employees, for deliveries. This arrangement insulates Amazon from liability when drivers crash. On the other hand, Amazon exerts tremendous control and pressure over delivery partners with its strict productivity quotas and surveillance. Arguably, Amazon knows the risks of overworking drivers to meet unrealistic deadlines. Yet, the company continues to prioritize fast shipping over safety.
This leaves injured accident victims in a difficult position. Technically, Amazon is not the liable party. However, Amazon’s demanding delivery targets likely contributed to the unsafe road conditions that caused crashes. Accident victims deserve to have dangerous business practices held accountable.
Holding Negligent Parties Responsible
Traffic accidents caused by negligent driving can inflict life-altering injuries. Medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering put tremendous financial stress on crash victims and their families.
If you or a loved one has been injured by a delivery driver, contact a personal injury attorney to understand your options. An experienced lawyer can help determine all responsible parties and build a strong claim for full compensation. Multi-defendant lawsuits or third-party claims against Amazon’s delivery quotas may be possible.
Don’t assume an unforgiving corporation like Amazon can’t be held responsible for traffic accidents they may have incentivized. With an aggressive legal strategy, victims can demand justice and obtain the maximum compensation they need to recover and move forward after a serious crash.
At Monge & Associates, our team has a proven track record of negotiating and litigating injury claims caused by commercial drivers and delivery vehicles. We fight tirelessly to hold negligent parties fully accountable. To discuss your case in a free consultation, contact us today on (888) 477-0597.
We have 32 offices in 19 states, including Georgia, South Carolina, and Pennsylvania, and can help you claim the compensation you deserve.