Amazon’s reputation for speedy deliveries has long been a selling point for the company, but the pressure to meet tight deadlines has led to concerns over safety and the behavior of some drivers. A growing number of Amazon delivery drivers have shared troubling stories of unsafe working conditions, with some alleging that the company’s focus on efficiency has led to reckless driving, unsafe behavior, and even illegal activities behind the wheel.
One such incident recently went viral on TikTok, when a user named Angie (@.essj3557) shared a video claiming she was involved in a hit-and-run accident caused by an Amazon delivery van. The video, which has amassed over 6 million views, shows Angie wearing a neck brace and implying that the crash was caused by an Amazon driver. Her post has sparked widespread attention, raising questions about the safety practices of Amazon’s delivery drivers and the company’s handling of such incidents.
What Happened?
In her original TikTok video, Angie appears to suggest that the accident was severe enough to warrant a significant financial payout. “Look at my neck brace,” she says in the video, while hinting that being hit by an Amazon van could lead to a major payday. In the caption, she notes the severity of the crash, but some viewers questioned the accuracy of her account, prompting her to post follow-up videos to clarify the details.
@.essj3557
In her first follow-up video, Angie explains what she says transpired during the incident. According to her, she was driving when an Amazon van ran a red light, nearly hitting her. After honking to avoid the collision, Angie alleges that the driver engaged in road rage, performing an illegal U-turn and chasing her through the streets of Oakland, California. She claims she pulled over to confront the driver, at which point he hit her vehicle and then fled the scene.
In another follow-up video, Angie claims that the Amazon driver intentionally tried to avoid providing his information by speeding off. She also claims the driver ran additional red lights, drove on the wrong side of the road, and exhibited erratic behavior. Angie says she reported the incident to the police, who are investigating the matter. She further suggests that the driver’s actions could lead to him losing his job, given the seriousness of the situation.
A Pattern of Dangerous Behavior?
This incident is not the first time Amazon drivers have been accused of reckless driving or hit-and-run incidents. In Georgia, an Amazon driver was recently arrested and charged with first-degree vehicular homicide and hit-and-run after hitting and killing a 79-year-old woman. Similarly, in Florida, a woman and her baby were allegedly struck by an Amazon driver, resulting in serious injuries, including a brain bleed for the woman.
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Despite Amazon’s efforts to ensure driver safety — including mandatory safety courses for all delivery drivers — there have been allegations that the company prioritizes speed over safety. A 2019 investigation by Buzzfeed and ProPublica revealed that the safety training for Amazon delivery drivers was often insufficient, with some workers accusing the company of pressuring them to work too quickly without proper regard for their well-being or that of others on the road.
Amazon’s Response
As the video went viral, commenters on TikTok pointed out that Amazon delivery vans are equipped with cameras, both inside and outside, to monitor the driver’s behavior. Many users suggested that this surveillance footage could serve as key evidence in Angie’s case, and some speculated that the video would show a clear record of the driver’s actions leading up to the incident.
“It’s highly likely the whole thing was recorded,” one commenter wrote. “Those vans have cameras at all angles inside and out! This should be easy to prove.”
Another commenter, who claimed to work as an Amazon driver, added, “The driver is definitely going to get terminated. With all that crazy driving, the hit-and-run is just the cherry on top.”
A third user echoed similar sentiments, saying, “Dispatch is immediately notified of the smallest things in Amazon trucks. Everything was definitely recorded and tracked.” Many users expressed their disbelief at the driver’s behavior and agreed that Amazon would likely be able to track the incident through its surveillance systems.
As investigations into this and other incidents continue, it remains to be seen how Amazon will address the growing concerns over driver safety and workplace conditions. While Amazon has implemented safety training for drivers, critics argue that the company’s focus on fast delivery times may be contributing to unsafe driving practices. The company’s surveillance systems, which track driver behavior, could play a significant role in addressing these concerns, as they may provide valuable evidence in cases of reckless or illegal behavior.
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