The working conditions of gig workers are a constant cause for concern. Recent research from UCL demonstrates this clearly, as it shows that delivery motorcyclists operating via digital platforms are more likely to be involved in accidents than those employed directly by restaurants.

The study found that freelance delivery drivers were more likely to report that they were under time pressure, which meant they would drive faster and take riskier behaviors, such as jumping red lights. They also reported that they were more likely to be distracted by their phones.

These behaviors mean that gig riders are around three times more likely to report being involved in a collision than riders employed by a restaurant.

“This research shows that despite previous work that highlighted the pressures gig economy drivers and riders face, nothing has changed in the sector,” the researchers explain. “When managed properly, hot food delivery work can be flexible and beneficial for riders, but those in the gig economy need better protection and more attention paid to their safety.”

At risk

The researchers found that there were several factors at play that contributed to the additional risks gig workers faced. For instance, they found that companies typically pay scant attention to the health and safety of riders, while the norm of paying per delivery rather than by time worked pressurized drivers to deliver more packages. What’s more, many riders also said that they felt pressure to accept deliveries even when the conditions were wet and icy.

The findings emerged after interviews and surveys were conducted with gig workers and those also employed directly by food chains or restaurants. Each of the participants used motorbikes to make deliveries.

The gig workers said that speed of acceptance of new jobs was crucial to them having a good supply of income. Accepting jobs is typically done via the app on their phone, with this process often done while they’re riding. This is further complicated by the fact that many drivers work via multiple apps, so can receive several notifications coming in that need a rapid turnaround.

Under pressure

Both gig and employed drivers reported that they were often closely monitored to assess how long each delivery takes, but that employed drivers were more likely to be quizzed if safety violations were broken or deliveries were blatantly too fast. This contributes to 90% of employed riders saying they had a good relationship with their employer, versus just 62% of drivers on gig platforms.

“Gig riders often have to choose between earning enough from their work and riding safely, which is a choice no one should have to make,” the authors continue. The gig economy is growing and hot food delivery, which is already popular, is becoming more so, as more people who would eat out at restaurants regularly are staying in to save money.”

The riders themselves believe implementing rewards for safer driving rather than the current system of implicitly incentivizing risky behavior would be a good start. They also believe distributing free safety equipment and providing safety training would improve matters, alongside regulating the number of hours worked and ensuring drivers take regular breaks.

“We need to see a significant change to the sector to ensure rider safety, as well as that of other road users,” the researchers conclude.