Transport department asks companies to prioritise safety over speed for delivery boys
PNS | DEHRADUN
In response to recent reports of delivery boys involved in road accidents in Dehradun while rushing to meet fast delivery timelines, the Transport department has asked leading online delivery companies to ensure delivery boys must not be pressured to speed up deliveries. The regional transport officer (Enforcement) of Dehradun division, Shailesh Tiwari held a meeting with representatives from leading online delivery companies like Zomato, Swiggy and Blinkit on Monday to discuss road safety measures and accident control.
Tiwari said that the company representatives informed the authorities that nearly 2,000 delivery boys are currently working in the city under their respective companies. In light of recent accidents, which were often linked to company policies that reportedly push delivery boys to complete orders quickly, the RTO emphasised the importance of ensuring safety on the roads. Tiwari stressed the need for the delivery companies to provide safety training for their delivery boys, particularly focusing on safe vehicle operation.
The RTO has requested a list of all delivery personnel and plans to conduct training sessions in batches of 100 starting in January 2025. Several important safety measures were discussed during the meeting. Delivery boys were instructed to always wear helmets with reflective panels, especially during night deliveries. Besides this, they were advised to wear reflective jackets or shirts after dark to enhance visibility on the road.
Tiwari also emphasised that delivery boys should never be pressured to speed up deliveries, thus avoiding the risk of accidents due to overspeeding. Other safety protocols included prohibiting the use of mobile phones while driving, except for using Bluetooth or earphones in urgent situations. The RTO further insisted that all delivery boys must possess valid driving licenses and ensure their vehicle documents, including registration, insurance, and pollution certificates, are up to date. Delivery personnel were also instructed to strictly follow GPS routes and avoid driving on the wrong side of the road. Tiwari also recommended that companies minimise late-night deliveries. He urged companies to conclude their services by midnight to safeguard the well-being of delivery boys and other road users during late hours. Tiwari said that with these proactive initiatives, the department aims to improve road safety in Dehradun, ensuring both the safety of delivery boys and other road users.
