Safety Tips for Delivery Drivers: How to Stay Safe on the Job

Safe driving is the core of Delivery Service Partner (DSP) delivery associate safety. And with over 6 million reported accidents on U.S. roads in a single year, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, defensive driving is the safest possible approach.

What Is Defensive Driving?

Defensive driving means always watching for hazards and anticipating that things might go wrong. Driving instructors often describe it using the Five C's:

• Care: Understanding that driving is a serious responsibility in which any mistakes can hurt people or property
• Caution: Taking the time and space to prioritize safety, especially in potentially hazardous or ambiguous situations
• Consideration: Incorporating other road users' needs and safety into your decision-making process
• Common sense: Making rational decisions based on the situation in front of you, not what you want to happen
• Courtesy: Driving with respect for all road users, including pedestrians and cyclists, and giving way when doing so makes the situation safer or smoother

Consciously look for ways to apply these principles on every trip, and they'll become a habit in no time.

The Responsible Driver's To-Do List

Driving comes with a lot to keep track of, so having simple steps to follow can really help. Try these five habits to make your deliveries safer and more comfortable:

• Check your mirrors before starting your route. Properly placed mirrors improve your visibility and make it easier to avoid hazards.
• Activate your turn signal three to five seconds before turning or changing lanes, or the length of time required by state law, whichever is sooner.
• Focus your full attention on the road. Avoid eating, using your cell phone, or doing anything else distracting while driving.
• Give other drivers space. A common rule of thumb is to leave three seconds between you and the car ahead, but more is often better when you're driving a heavy vehicle.
• Drive smoothly and steadily. Avoid hard braking or accelerating, which increases the risk of accidents.

Apply each tip on every trip to reduce your risk of accidents.

From 2023 to 2024, almost a quarter of a million workers suffered back injuries on the job, many of whom lost days or weeks of work. Delivery workers are particularly vulnerable to these injuries, given the volume of packages they handle and the unpredictability of package weight.

Ergonomic lifting — using body mechanics to prevent injury — is how you protect yourself. Every time you pick up a box or package, remember to:

• Create a stable base: Keep your feet shoulder-width apart, with one foot slightly in front of the other.
• Bend at the knee with buttocks out: Maintain a straight back, so your legs bear the weight, not your spine.
• Carry in your Power Zone: Hold the load close to your body, between your mid-thigh and mid-chest. This is where you're the strongest and strain is lowest.
• Turn, don't twist: Change direction by turning your whole body, instead of twisting your spine. This keeps you stable and reduces the risk to your knees and spine.

Reduce your injury risk even further by minimizing your carrying distance. Park as close to your destination as is safe and legal, and use dollies to transport large, heavy, or multiple boxes.

Balance matters for your van, too. An unevenly stacked load can shift in traffic, making your vehicle more difficult to handle. In some cases, it can even lead to rollovers and crashes.

Accident avoidance is a critical part of situational awareness when making deliveries. It only takes one wet sidewalk or a startled dog to cause an accident or an injury, so stay alert at all times.

Check the condition of stairs and walkways. A patch of uneven pavement can catch your toe or throw off your gait. Look out for wet or icy patches and wear slip-resistant footwear. This is one of the most important safety tips while delivering in the winter.

Watch for loose animals, especially dogs, and stay back if they seem aggressive. Always trust your instincts when dealing with animals or other potential hazards, including structures that seem unsteady. Remember, you can always finish a delivery later, but you can't undo an injury.

Consistency is key to vehicle security for drivers. Every time you leave with a load, remember to:

• Lock the vehicle and take your keys, even for a short stop.
• Keep keys in a pocket or waistpack, not on a lanyard or in your hand.
• Avoid leaving valuables visible in the vehicle. That includes your personal cell phone.
• Keep handheld devices secure and on your person if possible.

If you have company-issued devices, follow all security and password protocols. Your attention helps keep everyone and all systems safer.

Of all the strategies for successful delivery drivers, prioritizing health and safety is the most important. Delivery professionals spend hours behind the wheel, placing significant strain on their bodies. It's all in a day's work, so it's easy to forget how tiring it can be.

Avoid unnecessary accidents and illnesses by paying attention to your body. Be aware of when you're feeling tired and take a break, as fatigue increases your risk of injury.

Stay hydrated, especially in the heat. Dehydration affects your memory, focus, and thinking ability, all crucial skills for delivery drivers. It can also cause fatigue and make you more susceptible to heat stroke.

Like other delivery driver safety tips, these daily habits reflect your commitment to yourself, your role, and your team.

Safety on the job is a daily discipline, like going to the gym or eating healthily. It requires an ongoing commitment to learning and following delivery driver safety rules.

Your DSP employer and its partners should share that commitment. Managers, leaders, and company policymakers at your DSP are responsible for putting delivery driver safety first, whether that means sharing safety tips of the day or checking in with drivers about their concerns. As a driver, you should always feel comfortable communicating with your DSP employer about potential route hazards or equipment issues.

By prioritizing safety, you can build a long, sustainable career as a delivery driver. Browse current openings from independent Delivery Service Partner businesses on DSP Job Hub to discover your next professional opportunity.