Safety Guidelines For Restaurant Delivery Drivers

Your drivers’ priorities should be (1) taking the safest route, then (2) speed of delivery to the customer. Even though your company might have the fastest delivery times, safety is imperative!  

The following areas of focus are designed for the protection of your drivers, your company, the customer, and the general public. To ensure a positive and productive food delivery culture, follow these 5 steps to keep your drivers safe and limit injuries, accidents, and claims.

5 Areas for a Delivery Driver's Protection

1. Vehicle Inspection

Drivers are responsible for inspecting their vehicle prior to the day’s first delivery. Drivers will want to check all of the following elements of the delivery vehicle:

• The vehicle must have current and valid registration, proof of insurance, and a valid inspection if required by the state of operation.
• Check tires for proper inflation and that the tire tread is at least 5/32nds.
• Inspect windshield wipers and fill the wiper reservoir.
• Check the windshield’s condition. Are there any cracks in the driver’s line of sight?
• Ensure brakes are working properly.
• Inspect headlights, taillights, turn signals, brake lights, and backup lights. If any are not working, they should be replaced before starting the shift.
• Inspect backup cameras. Is the camera working and does the camera need to be cleaned of debris or dust?
• Ensure the horn is in working order.
• Check the side and rearview mirrors to ensure they are in good condition and properly adjusted for your driver’s specifications.
• Ensure seatbelts are working properly.
• Install appropriate signage identifying the business vehicle.

2. Standard Best Practices

Safety on the road and at customer locations is imperative. Be sure the following is adhered to:

• Seatbelts are required at all times while driving.
• Due care and caution in the operation of the vehicle must strictly comply with all laws and safe driving rules of the road, including all speed limits, posted directional signs, and parking regulations.
• When arriving at the customer’s location, avoid backing as much as possible. If a driver needs to back, they should only do so when they have a clear view of the parking space. When leaving, walk around the vehicle and check the underside and topside before pulling away from the space.
• Pay attention to all walking surfaces when getting in and out of the vehicle, as well as stairs and walkways at customer locations. Drivers should not cut through yards or run during a delivery as it increases the risk of a fall and saves little time.
• Under no circumstances shall a driver operate the vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. A supervisor/manager should be informed of prescribed medication that may affect a driver’s mental and/or physical ability to drive safely.

3. Operate the Vehicle With Limited Distractions

These include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Cell phones may only be used when the vehicle is parked safely off the road or in a parking area. Drivers must find a safe parking area to text, talk, or use their phone.
• No eating in the vehicle while on deliveries.
• Listening to music on deliveries is not recommended, however, if done, the volume must be low as it may impair a driver’s ability to focus on driving.
• Passengers are not allowed in the delivery vehicle unless approved by a supervisor/manager in advance.
• When using GPS, minimize distractions by having a clear view of the road and use voice control to allow eyes to remain on the road.

4. A Safe Delivery is More Important Than a Fast Delivery

Key reminders to prevent accidents and injuries through safety:

• Always lock the vehicle when parked or unattended.
• Park in a safe, well-lit area.
• Never leave the vehicle running or leave keys in the ignition when making a delivery.
• Do not deliver to a house that looks vacant. If in doubt, a driver should call the customer and request they meet outside and/or turn on exterior lights.
• Do not deliver to the back or side of a dark building.
• Drivers should call 911 if something looks suspicious or dangerous in the area. Then, be certain to call a supervisor to report.
• Carry less than $20 in cash or follow the specific guidelines for your restaurant on cash and credit cards.
• Be sure the driver knows the restaurant’s policy in advance when a customer disagrees with their food, delivery, cost, etc.
• Activate the vehicle’s remote alarm (if available) to draw attention if the driver feels threatened.
• To reduce the risk of dog bites, stay alert for dogs when approaching a delivery location. If a driver hears barking, sees a loose animal, or notices warning signs, they should contact the customer before getting out of the vehicle.

5. Inclement and Winter Weather Handling

When the weather is bad, customers are more inclined to order food delivery. Restaurants should be prepared for heavy delivery nights during inclement weather or special events:

• Take extra precautions during special events or bad weather as driving may be treacherous, or the traffic may be heavy.
• Let customers know when placing their orders that delivery times will be longer due to the inclement weather or special events.
• Employees should wear enclosed toe, non-slip shoes when delivering in inclement weather.
• Carry a flashlight to assist in walking on dark sidewalks and to find addresses.
• When delivery driving in winter weather, inspect the vehicle before each shift and keep essential cold-weather items on hand, such as an ice scraper, small shovel, blanket, and fully charged phone. Slow down, increase the following distance, and watch for slick surfaces like black ice.

What to Do if an Accident Happens

If an accident does happen, the most important first step is to stay calm and focus on safety. Turn on the vehicle’s emergency flashers, check for injuries, and call for medical assistance or police support if needed. From there, gather facts, exchange information, take photos if it is safe to do so, and follow this delivery vehicle accident checklist to make sure nothing important is missed before reporting the incident to your supervisor and insurance provider.

A Team That Understands Delivery Restaurants

Food delivery creates a unique set of risks that many insurance providers simply don’t understand. At Intrepid Direct, we partner with franchise restaurant owners to provide business insurance solutions built specifically for self-delivery operations. With thousands of restaurant locations insured nationwide and partnerships across the franchise restaurant industry, our team understands the pace, pressure, and exposure that come with managing drivers, protecting customers, and keeping stores moving. From Hired and Non-Owned Auto to Workers Compensation and Property coverage, your insurance program is designed to work together — helping you spend less time managing your insurance and more time growing your franchise.