Identification of antecedents of risky driving behavior of food delivery riders: An analysis during the COVID −19 pandemic in Brazil

Abstract

An increased demand for online food delivery services has been observed due to restrictions imposed by the Covid-19 pandemic. These services are provided by motorcycled food delivery riders (FDRs), who are often informally employed, poorly paid, and work under time pressure, which might increase the risk of traffic crashes. Until now, few studies have been concerned with the effects the Covid-19 pandemic has had on driving behavior, especially for FDRs. Furthermore, it remains unclear whether work conditions and financial vulnerability could influence driving behavior. In addition, related studies have been conducted in Europe, but research in this field in South America seems to be lacking. Therefore, this paper aims to identify the antecedents of risky driving behavior for FDRs in Brazil during the Covid-19 pandemic. Therefore, an extended framework based on the protection motivation theory was proposed. Data were obtained from 295 FDRs and were analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling. The results showed that working conditions and financial vulnerability positively affect their driving behavior. Additionally, coping appraisal has a negative and significant effect on risky driving behavior. The effect of threat appraisal on risky driving behavior was found to be positive, which could be indicative of a typical behavior of young drivers. Therefore, FDRs perform a risky activity due to long working hours and the pressure for fast deliveries. Also, to meet short delivery time, FDRs adopt a risky behavior (red-light running, driving while checking cell phones and not using safety equipment).