The Research Findings
The study was designed and conducted by the “Panos Mylonas” Road Safety Institute (I.O.A.S.), using a mixed-methods approach and drawing on both qualitative and quantitative data
Research Approach
The research approach included focus groups with key stakeholder groups and a nationwide quantitative survey of 980 delivery personnel (91% of whom used motorcycles). Triangulation of the findings allowed for the drawing of reliable conclusions and the formulation of substantive recommendations. Below are the key conclusions and main findings of the study.
Key Takeaway
Road safety is a shared responsibility across the entire delivery ecosystem.
It is shaped not only by the delivery chain—platform, merchant, courier partner and customer—but also by the wider urban environment, including:
- Weather conditions
- Traffic
- Waiting and loading areas
- Road infrastructure
- Interactions between everyone sharing public space
Key Findings
Helmet Use
Positive
98% of courier partners report always wearing a helmet. Helmet use has become a well-established social norm and is considered non-negotiable by courier partners.
The Challenge
The use of other Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), such as gloves, protective trousers and boots, remains lower.
Training and awareness can help encourage broader adoption of protective equipment.
Helmet use has become the norm. Other PPE has not yet reached the same level of acceptance.
Safety Culture
Positive
The research identified a strong safety culture and high awareness of the importance of prevention at an individual, organisational and ecosystem level.
The Challenge
- Further reduce risky behaviours.
- Strengthen and expand the safety culture across the entire ecosystem.
Road safety culture already exists. The priority is creating the conditions that allow safe behaviour to be consistently applied, even under pressure.
Statistics vs Individual Experience
The Positive
Road incidents are rare. 99.999% of deliveries are completed without a reported accident.
The Challenge
Prevention should focus not only on accidents themselves, but also on the behaviours and conditions that precede them.
Monitoring leading indicators helps identify risks before accidents occur.
Psychosocial Factors
The Positive
Overall levels of driving stress, fatigue and workload were assessed as moderate.
The Challenge
These factors are statistically linked to risky behaviour and road incidents, highlighting the importance of psychosocial support.
Understanding key risk factors allows interventions to be better targeted and more effective.
Violence & Harassment
The Positive
Incidents of violence and harassment are infrequent, while customer-related incidents are particularly rare.
The Challenge
Although uncommon, these incidents can have a significant impact on couriers’ sense of safety and driving behaviour.
Low frequency does not mean low impact.
Awareness vs Responsibility
The Positive
All stakeholder groups recognise the importance of road safety and the need to strengthen a culture of responsible mobility
The Challenge
The next step is translating awareness into action, with every stakeholder taking responsibility and contributing to safer mobility.
The public closely observes courier behaviour while also expecting fast deliveries. Creating a safer delivery ecosystem requires shared responsibility from everyone involved.
