FOOD delivery riders are a common sight these days – you would not have failed to notice them in their striking uniforms and delivery bags fastened to the back of their motorcycles.
But what has become even more common is the sight of these food delivery riders running red lights, speeding, making illegal U-turns and riding in the wrong direction.
While we appreciate the services rendered by these delivery riders, rain or shine, to get our food delivered to our doorsteps, the risks that these riders are taking while doing their jobs is a matter of great concern that needs to be addressed by all relevant authorities.
A news report dated a few days back highlights my point. The Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) has recently received complaints from many city folks regarding motorcyclists, especially food delivery riders, who encroach on pedestrian walkways and ride recklessly.
Many have complained that they had to dodge delivery riders as the latter weaved through traffic at high speed, almost colliding with other road users.
I get it – food delivery riders are required to be fast and efficient in doing their job. They are usually paid a basic hourly rate, which they supplement with a commission for every delivery made. Therefore, the more trips made, the more money they make.
This, I imagine, is what usually prompts some of the riders to disobey traffic rules. However, this doesn’t mean that they have to do their jobs at the expense of their own lives – and the lives of others who have the misfortune of being caught in the crosshairs.
That being said, the onus should be on food delivery companies to ensure that their employees adhere strictly to traffic regulations.
From organising road safety training programmes for delivery riders to monitoring and taking action against those reported to have violated traffic rules when on the job, these companies have a big task ahead to promote a work culture that prioritises safety.
To further discourage food delivery riders from breaking traffic rules, maybe delivery companies can also consider docking riders’ commission for traffic offences or if the public report reckless behaviour.
On top of these, there should also be more enforcement of road regulations on the authorities’ part. This could involve more stringent monitoring of traffic cameras to catch delivery riders running red lights or making illegal U-turns, for example.
They must work to change the mindsets of not only delivery riders but other motorists as well who think that they can get away with committing traffic offenses because they think that nobody is monitoring the traffic cameras.
Ultimately, road safety should never be compromised in any situation, and all parties must come together to nip the problem in the bud before it becomes a bigger problem in the future. – April 8, 2021
