Tumwater, WA — Prompted by the recent homicides of five rideshare drivers and a delivery driver, the Washington State Fatality Assessment and Control Evaluation Program has issued a hazard alert.
All six incidents occurred while the victims were working alone during the late-night or early-morning hours between 2020 and 2024. Three of the drivers were killed during carjacking attempts, while the others occurred after altercations with strangers.
“Transportation industry workers suffered the most fatalities and homicides in 2024,” states the alert, which details three of the homicides.
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The alert provides “tips to live by” for both employers and drivers.
For employers:
- Create a violence prevention and safety program as part of your company’s incident prevention program.
- Perform a Job Hazard Analysis to identify and assess personal safety and vehicle security vulnerabilities that could expose workers to violence.
- Develop policies based on JHA findings and best practices.
- Train drivers on how to de-escalate violent situations and protect themselves if de-escalation fails.
- Provide drivers with dashcam equipment to improve in-vehicle safety and security.
For drivers:
- Equip vehicles with security technology features, including monitored alarms.
- Use rideshare and delivery companies’ in-app emergency buttons.
- Install in-vehicle cameras, including dashcams with audio, night vision and two-way recording capabilities.
- Apply high-visibility stickers inside and outside the vehicle to alert passengers that audio and video is being recorded and no cash is kept in the vehicle.
- Be aware of your surroundings and park in well-lit, high-traffic areas.
- Report violent passengers and attempted robberies to police and supervisors, and alert other drivers.
- Use caution when accepting or completing rides in isolated areas.
