8-06-2024 10:26am

New Mexico in Top 10 in Delivery Driver Accidents

Chris Edwards Editor

New Mexico is the sixth-most dangerous state to be a delivery driver, a new state ranking reveals based on crash data.

The analysis, conducted by Florida personal injury and car accident lawyers Anidjar & Levine, ranked the states using the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Fatality and Injury Reporting System Tool (FIRST) to determine the best and worst.

The findings examined fatal crashes involving typical delivery vehicles, such as vans or motorcycles, scaled to per 100,000 population (100k residents), and identified the most dangerous month, day of the week, and time of day for couriers in each state.

It turns out that Wyoming is the most dangerous state for delivery drivers, reporting an average of 10.14 deaths per 100k residents each year. This is 102% higher than the national average (5.03 deaths per 100k residents annually).

The summer months were particularly dangerous for delivery drivers in Wyoming, with the most deaths occurring in July.

The weekends were the riskiest time of week, likely due to things like people ordering a takeaway instead of cooking after social plans. Saturday is the most dangerous day to be a delivery driver in Wyoming, specifically between 4 PM and 5 PM.

In second place as the most dangerous state for couriers is Montana, averaging 8.59 deaths per 100k residents – 71% higher than the national average. July Saturdays are when drivers are most at risk in Montana, particularly between 8 PM and 9 PM.

Mississippi took the third spot with 8.42 average deaths reported involving courier-style vehicles, per 100k residents. Fall is the most dangerous season in Mississippi, with October as the riskiest month, followed by September and August.

Arkansas is fourth with 8.34 fatal accidents involving courier-style vehicles reported annually per 100k residents. September is the state’s most dangerous month, with Saturdays becoming particularly dangerous between 6 PM and 7 PM.

In fifth, South Carolina reports 8.09 fatal collisions involving vans and bikes per 100k residents, particularly on Saturdays in September. 6 PM to 7 PM is the most dangerous time to be a delivery driver in the state, during the dinnertime rush.

The ten most dangerous states and times to be a delivery driver...

New Mexico is sixth with 7.32 deaths per 100k residents. Spring is the most dangerous season in the state, with the most fatal collisions occurring in May. Once again, weekends are particularly dangerous, between 7 PM and 8 PM.

Oklahoma is seventh with August revealed as the most dangerous month for delivery drivers. With 7.11 average deaths involving courier-style vehicles annually per 100k residents, this is 41% higher than the national average (5.03 per 100k).

When stores close (5 PM to 6 PM) is the most dangerous time to be a delivery driver in Oklahoma, particularly on Saturdays throughout August.

In eighth place is Louisiana, with 7.1 deaths recorded involving delivery driver vehicles per 100k residents. Saturdays in August are also the most dangerous time to be a courier in the state – especially between the hours of 5 PM and 6 PM.

Alabama is the ninth most dangerous state for delivery drivers, with 6.88 fatal crashes involving courier vehicles recorded per 100k residents. Alabama experiences high-risk traffic in October, with 5 PM to 6 PM on Saturdays being the most dangerous time.

Rounding out the top ten is North Dakota, with 6.55 annual deaths per 100k residents involving courier-style vehicles. July is the most dangerous month for delivery drivers, with Saturday evenings between 7 PM and 8 PM as the riskiest time.

Discussing the findings, a spokesperson from Anidjar & Levine said: “Delivery drivers have become increasingly important due to the rise in online shopping habits and the convenience of ordering groceries and takeout at the touch of a button.

“However, many don’t consider the safety of being a courier as the job comes with an increased risk of being involved in a fatal traffic accident – especially for those who are having to delivery during high-traffic periods or late at night when visibility is poor.

“If you order a weekly takeout, maybe consider shifting it from a Saturday to a less busy day of the week, to reduce traffic on the roads and make your driver’s journey safer/ Similarly, ordering outside of the busiest times in your state will not only ensure your food arrives faster, but that the dish or package (and the courier) arrives safely.

“Drivers should always be vigilant on the roads, but being aware of the most dangerous times and days will help them to be on high alert in the at-risk areas.”