DoorDash Delivery vs Uber Eats Driver Pros and Cons for Safety Features

Working as an independent contract driver for various delivery services is a lucrative side hustle, even a career, for many people. However, there are a few drawbacks to this approach. A certain level of risk is accepted in any industry where strangers interact with each other, because you never know who you’ll meet or what problems might arise with an unhappy client or someone who isn’t entirely stable.

There has been an increase in violence against drivers and delivery workers since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to drivers for a wide range of services, including conventional carriers like UPS and FedEx, as well as ride-hailing and food-delivery services like Uber and DoorDash. Carjackings and thefts, as well as acts of road rage, are all on the rise, according to drivers. This has led to the implementation of specific safety protocols for drivers, which are designed to make the job safer for everyone. Both DoorDash and Uber Eats have added safety features to their driver applications in response to this issue, and DoorDash delivery vs Uber Eats delivery have similar safety records. Drivers of both Uber Eats and DoorDash should be aware of the following safety features and best practices.

DoorDash

The San Francisco-based delivery company specializes in restaurant takeout delivery and grocery delivery, and operates in North America and Australia. Some of their driver safety features are as follows:

• Pro: DoorDash added a new emergency assistance button, Safe Dash, to the application in which drivers can alert security company ADT that they need help.
• Pro: Direct access to DoorDash support in cases of emergencies ranging from vehicle breakdowns and problems with the route, to disgruntled customers.
• Pro: The DoorDash customer app adds a feature that allows customers to pick up their orders rather than wait for a driver.
• Pro: Navigation has recently been improved, making deliveries more accurate and decreasing the likelihood of drivers accidentally going to the wrong location, which has in the past led to misinterpretation and violence against drivers.
• Con: No rating system for drivers or customers to alert drivers to potentially problematic customers.
• Con: Driver support is often outsourced and unhelpful.

Uber Eats

Uber Eats food delivery is only one of the services offered by the company Uber, which started as a ride hailing service and has branched out into various types of passenger delivery and item delivery. Uber has already put in place a number of safety features for drivers of rideshare services who have customers in their cars. Many of these features are also available to drivers of Uber Eats.

• Pro: The driver’s app has a panic button that, when pressed, automatically dials 911.
• Pro: Drivers can share their rides through a safety feature, alerting trusted contacts as to their whereabouts when making a delivery or giving a ride. All Uber trips are tracked from start to finish via GPS.
• Pro: Contact between driver and customer is anonymous through the application, which keeps phone numbers private.
• Con: If a car is damaged or injury incurred on the job, the driver must first pay for the damages, and then file a claim with Uber, which can take months.

Summary

Entire discussion threads for delivery drivers exist, giving tips and suggestions on how drivers can remain safe while working for companies such as Uber Eats and DoorDash. In addition to the safety features in the applications, many of which are added with each new update, veteran drivers recommend that drivers be aware of their surroundings at all times, only park in well-lit areas, always lock an unattended vehicle, and verify the client by name before making a delivery or any other service for these companies. Both DoorDash delivery vs Uber Eats delivery take thier drivers’ safety seriously, so drivers should always be familiar with the features and services available to them before beginning work.

FAQ

1. If a driver is attacked or injured on the job, will Uber Eats or DoorDash compensate them?

If an official police report determines that a driver for either company is not at fault for an accident or injury, both DoorDash and Uber Eats have limited insurance policies that will cover the cost of treatment and other compensation. However, for Uber, this is usually only in effect if a driver is actively working on an active job. It does not cover any damage incurred in between deliveries or other work.

2. Do either Uber Eats or DoorDash allow for self-defense weapons in the vehicles?

Officially, no, drivers are not supposed to be working for either company while in possession of a deadly weapon. However, many drivers carry non-lethal forms of self-defense such as pepper spray, mace, and tasers.

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