Delivery operations intensify during holiday seasons and face unique challenges in bad weather. These conditions increase accident risk, and companies that fail to adjust operations accordingly may face heightened liability when seasonal factors contribute to collisions.
Holiday Season Risks
The period from Thanksgiving through Christmas sees delivery volume spike dramatically. Companies deliver more packages in November-December than any other period, creating multiple risk factors:
Increased volume means more delivery vehicles on roads, more stops in residential areas, and more opportunities for accidents.
Inexperienced drivers are hired seasonally to handle volume. These temporary workers have less training and experience than regular drivers.
Extended hours push drivers to work longer shifts, increasing fatigue-related accidents.
Pressure to perform intensifies as companies race to meet delivery promises, encouraging risk-taking.
Weather Hazards
Winter weather creates additional delivery dangers. Snow, ice, rain, and reduced visibility dramatically increase accident risk:
Slippery roads extend stopping distances and make vehicle control difficult. Delivery vans loaded with packages are particularly affected.
Reduced visibility from fog, rain, snow, or early darkness makes it harder to see pedestrians, cyclists, and other vehicles.
Cold temperatures can affect vehicle performance, from reduced tire grip to brake issues.
Ice on walkways creates slip-and-fall hazards for drivers making deliveries on foot.
Company Duties in Bad Weather
Delivery companies have duties to adjust operations for conditions. Maintaining normal schedules in dangerous weather may constitute negligence. Appropriate responses include reducing delivery quotas during bad weather, extending delivery windows, suspending operations in severe conditions, providing weather-appropriate training, and ensuring vehicles have proper tires and equipment.
Seasonal Hiring Negligence
The rush to hire seasonal workers can lead to inadequate screening and training. Companies that cut corners in seasonal hiring face negligent hiring liability when unqualified drivers cause accidents.
Seasonal workers should receive the same background checks and training as permanent drivers. Pressure to onboard quickly doesn't excuse negligent hiring practices.
Fatigue During Peak Season
Extended shifts during high-volume periods create fatigue hazards. Drivers working 12+ hour days during holiday rushes face impairment comparable to intoxication. Companies that schedule excessive hours bear responsibility for fatigue-related accidents.
Customer Pressure
Consumer expectations for fast delivery intensify during holidays. "Guaranteed delivery" promises create pressure that flows through the organization to drivers. Companies that make delivery promises incompatible with safe operations prioritize profit over safety.
Adjusting Driving for Conditions
Drivers must adjust their driving for weather conditions—reduced speed, increased following distance, extra caution at intersections. Driving normally in abnormal conditions constitutes negligence.
Companies should establish weather policies requiring adjusted driving and release drivers from normal quotas during bad conditions.
Seasonal Accident Claims
Seasonal factors strengthen accident claims in several ways. Evidence that the driver was a rushed seasonal hire with inadequate training supports negligent hiring claims. Weather conditions the company should have adjusted for establish failure to exercise appropriate care. Holiday pressure that created unsafe conditions shows company priorities.
Pursuing Seasonal Accident Claims
If you're injured in a seasonal delivery accident, document weather and road conditions at the time. Note whether the driver appeared rushed or fatigued. Investigate whether the driver was a seasonal employee with limited experience.
Seasonal factors often reveal systemic company negligence beyond individual driver error—creating stronger claims against well-insured corporate defendants.