Delivering in poor conditions
Driving can be unpredictable. Prepare yourself and know what to do when the unexpected arrives during a delivery to minimise danger and stay safe.
We want couriers to be safe, no matter the conditions. An awareness of your surroundings at all times is key to keeping safe on the roads. We’ve identified some especially tricky conditions that might make delivery runs more challenging – and tips to help you navigate these safely.
Remember, it is completely your decision to accept offers during adverse weather conditions. You have the ability to accept or decline offers and drop, end, or pick up available delivery runs at any time.
Driving after dark
Anyone driving or riding is obliged to follow all laws, signage and rules, including management of your speed on the road. Furthermore, it is important to observe your surroundings and ensure safe road positioning to minimise road risk ensuring that delivery runs are completed safely and without harm to yourself or others. This is especially important after dark.
Cars
The highway code states you must use headlights at night (defined as between 30 mins after sunset and 30 mins before sunrise) unless there is street lighting.
Remember not to use your lights in a way that dazzles or causes discomfort to other road users (including pedestrians and cyclists).
Avoid looking directly at oncoming headlights.
Consider reducing your speed to match your headlight range to keep a safe stopping distance in case of any hazards.
Remember, some road users e.g. pedestrians and cyclists can be harder to spot in the dark, so make sure you are alert and driving carefully.
Bikes
Don’t underestimate the importance of having the correct lighting and reflectors as a cyclist. Between sunrise and sunset, you are legally required to use lights and reflectors.
The best known requirement of the highway code is to have a working white front light and rear red light, but remember you must also have a rear reflector and 4 amber pedal reflectors. These must meet certain regulations to keep you safe and out of any legal trouble if you’re involved in an accident, so make sure you’re familiar with this section of the highway code.
We recommend wearing reflective clothing to be as visible as possible to other road users.
Ensure you are positioning yourself at least an arm’s length away from the pavement and parked cars so you’re in the most visible position – and won’t be knocked off your bike by people suddenly opening a car door.
Remember, your bike light can be powerful so be sure not to dazzle other road users.
Always ride with caution, as you have limited visibility of surface changes, hazards, and other road users.
Extreme weather
Courier safety is our top priority and we actively monitor the weather for alerts and other indications it may not be safe to open a zone. In less extreme conditions that do not meet closure thresholds however, the following advice may be useful.
Heat: If it’s hot, take plenty of water so you can keep hydrated. Wear the correct factor of suncream for your skin tone, and take a bottle with you to top up regularly in the sunshine. Take regular breaks in hot conditions, particularly as a cyclist – remember your body is working harder than usual to keep you cool as you’re moving around, so you can become fatigued more quickly. Wear light, loose fitting clothing that will help you stay cool and wick away sweat.
Cold/wet: Wear warm clothing including layers and waterproof clothing according to the conditions. Gloves, thermal socks and a hat can help keep your extremities warm, but ensure you can still use your equipment correctly – e.g. gripping handlebars, visibility unimpaired. If your visibility is reduced, use lights and reflectors and wear fluorescent clothing to help you see and be seen. Try to avoid overtaking in reduced visibility as it’s harder to identify when it’s safe.
Slippery surfaces: Keep your tyres in good condition – tread depth (across the whole tyre) should be at least 1.6mm for a car, and at least 1mm for a motorbike. There is no minimum legal requirement for tread on bikes/e-bikes but their condition should be checked regularly. In the wet, double your stopping distance. The highway code advises that stopping distance on ice can be up to ten times more, so factor these when selecting your speed and distance from the vehicle in front.
Uneven surfaces, mud and gravel on the road surface can reduce grip, so you should also slow down and increase your stopping distance.
