DoorDash cracks down on driver traffic law violations in D.C.
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Mopeds, largely driven by food delivery workers, in Columbia Heights. Photo: Sarah L. Voisin, The Washington Post via Getty Images
DoorDash just announced new steps to crack down on traffic law violations and account sharing among its drivers in D.C. and other U.S. cities.
Why it matters: The company's new initiatives could help address concerns about contracted drivers on scooters and motorcycles breaking traffic laws while making deliveries.
Catch up quick: The new safety protocols, starting first in Boston, come as officials in major cities have expressed concern over an influx of mopeds — some illegal — and reckless driving.
- D.C. police launched a two-week "Operation Ride Right" program last month to crack down on illegal scooter activity and address safety concerns.
Zoom in: DoorDash is launching a "law enforcement response team" to work with police on inquiries involving drivers.
- That includes a point of contact to respond faster to MPD's requests for records and information.
- DoorDash said drivers who break traffic laws will lose access to the app.
A company representative tells Axios that some of the delivery company's new initiatives are already in place in D.C.
- For example, they've started sending guidelines on local road rules and registration requirements from MPD to DC Dashers using bikes and mopeds.
The intrigue: DoorDash also plans to "accelerate" account identity verification to get tough on account sharing, which has been linked to undocumented workers. Immigrants without work papers sometimes "rent" accounts from family and friends, often for a fee.
- Drivers already need to confirm their identity by submitting a selfie taken in real-time, which is cross-referenced with their ID photo.
- The company said it would make drivers undergo the process if it sees "signals of account sharing" like multiple devices logging into a single account.
By the numbers: MPD tells Axios that its officers impounded 273 scooters, made 81 arrests, and issued 161 notices of infractions during their special-op last month.
- They plan to "revisit" Operation Ride Right in the future and are currently distributing flyers on motor-driven cycle laws and registration requirements.
What we're watching: A new bill introduced by D.C. Council members in April would require sellers and renters of mopeds to register their fleets, adding another layer of accountability to their use.