The Saudi Center for Opinion Polling (SCOP) recently conducted a survey revealing that 66 percent of participants have witnessed reckless driving behavior from delivery representatives. A total of 59 percent of participants expressed their dissatisfaction with the way these delivery representatives drive their bikes. The survey, which involved 1,316 men and women, also found that 49 percent of participants have seen or been involved in a traffic accident with a delivery boy. Additionally, 64 percent believe that delivery representatives do not follow safety standards when driving motorcycles.
Many delivery drivers were observed driving in the opposite direction of traffic and using sidewalks meant for pedestrians to avoid traffic congestion and speed up the delivery process. While some participants acknowledged that delivery drivers help accelerate the delivery of orders and reduce traffic congestion, there were also concerns raised about professional violations. These violations include failure to wear a visible identification card specific to their profession, delivering orders late at night, neglecting personal appearance, and not wearing the official uniform while on duty.
One of the most significant challenges facing road users is the increasing number of traffic accidents involving delivery app representatives, as well as the traffic disruptions caused by their motorcycles. Abdul Rahman Al-Murshid, a journalist, pointed out that delivery drivers often do not store food in suitable containers, leading to food contamination from exposure to air, dust, and other factors. Al-Murshid suggested the creation of special lanes on highways within cities for delivery drivers, with a maximum width of 2 meters to ensure smoother and safer delivery operations.
The violations committed by delivery drivers also extend to face verification issues, where customers receive orders from representatives whose pictures do not match those on the delivery application. This discrepancy has been described as manipulation and fraud, contradicting the government’s efforts to uphold quality of life standards for citizens and residents. The Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs and Housing, as well as the Transport General Authority, have approved requirements for delivery drivers that must be followed to maintain safety and professionalism on the roads.
In response to these findings, there is a growing need to address the challenges posed by delivery app drivers on the roads. Implementing stricter regulations and enforcing compliance with safety standards can help reduce the number of traffic accidents involving delivery representatives. Creating designated lanes for delivery drivers within cities can also help streamline the delivery process and reduce disruption to other road users. By prioritizing safety and professionalism, the authorities can work towards improving the overall quality of life for all individuals using the road network in Saudi Arabia.
