More often than ever, people are doing their holiday shopping on the internet. There was a massive surge last year, especially with so many businesses closed down, but it’s predicted to be very popular again this year. The rush is already starting as people begin buying the products they want to give as gifts or simply want to buy for themselves.
We don’t typically think of online shopping as a dangerous activity. If anything, it sounds safer since you get to stay within your own home and just order your items on the phone or on the computer. But there is one serious risk that you need to be aware of this year.
Delivery drivers will be out in force
That risk comes from delivery drivers. There are a few issues to consider here, but the overall problem is simply that someone still has to deliver all of those items that get purchased online. When there’s a massive uptick in online buying, there’s a corresponding rise in delivery truck usage.
Many of those drivers are hired on as temps because the companies know that they’re going to need more people and vehicles for the holidays. This may mean they have less experience behind the wheel and that they are completely unfamiliar with the roads they’re driving on. Both of those things can make them more likely to crash.
Additionally, no matter how long someone has been driving, they may simply have more packages to deliver and feel like they are always stressed out and in a rush. The deadlines are tight, and people demand that they get their orders quickly. Someone who is stressed may be more likely to make mistakes behind the wheel as they try to rush and get everything done. The price of all of this holiday shopping could actually be a significant rise in car accidents, injuries and fatalities.
What should you do if a driver injures you?
You can’t avoid sharing the road with a lot of these delivery drivers, and you’re going to see more of them in the weeks to come. If one of them does injure you in an accident, then you may be able to seek compensation for your medical bills, your lost wages, the pain and suffering you had to endure and much more.
