Uber drivers and Amazon couriers are at greater risk of crashing due to ‘gig economy’ work

Uber drivers and Amazon couriers are at greater risk of crashing due to ‘gig economy’ work and nearly half admit to speeding over ‘time pressure’

  • Researchers found 42 per cent of drivers damage their vehicle using apps
  • One in ten drivers said someone had been injured as a result of their crash 
  • Nearly 47 per cent admitted breaking the speed limit because of time pressure

UBER drivers and Amazon couriers may be at a higher risk of crashing because of the demands of ‘gig economy’ work, a study suggests.

Researchers from University College London found that 42 per cent of drivers who pick up work through apps had damaged their vehicle in a collision at work. 

Nearly 47 per cent admitted breaking the speed limit because of ‘time pressure’ in their job.

Researchers from University College London found that 42 per cent of drivers who pick up work through apps had damaged their vehicle in a collision at work

The study drew on responses from 200 drivers or riders in the gig economy – those without permanent contracts – plus 48 in-depth interviews. 

They included couriers and taxi drivers. One in ten respondents said someone had been injured as a result of their crash at work.

An anonymous participant told researchers: ‘The customer gets a delivery window when the parcel will be delivered and if you go out of those windows, you get fined for it.’

Uber drivers accept bookings through their smartphones, which then set the route to their destination, while couriers for Amazon have their deliveries set on an app. Both firms have been contacted for comment.

Nearly 47 per cent admitted breaking the speed limit because of 'time pressure' in their job

Nearly 47 per cent admitted breaking the speed limit because of ‘time pressure’ in their job

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