The emerging issues for management of occupational road risk in a changing economy: A survey of gig economy drivers, riders and their managers

This research, carried out by Dr Nicola Christie and Heather Ward from the UCL Centre for Transport Studies, found that more than 60% of self-employed couriers and taxi drivers are not provided with any road safety training.

The study included 48 qualitative interviews with ‘gig economy’ drivers and riders, and their managers, as well as 200 responses to an online survey.

63% of respondents said they are not provided with safety training on managing risks on the road, while 65% are not given any safety equipment.

42% reported that their vehicle had been damaged as a result of a collision while working, with a further one in 10 saying that someone had been injured in a collision.

On mobile phones, 40% of those using an app for their job found them to be ‘off-putting’ while driving or riding.

The UCL report includes a list of recommendations for companies using self-employed couriers and taxi drivers – including introducing time blocks for couriers to sign up and be paid for, rather than a ‘drop rate’.