On-demand food delivery services such as DoorDash have made it easy for people to order their favorite meals without leaving their homes. However, recent incidents involving DoorDash drivers’ inappropriate behavior, especially towards minors, have highlighted the need for better driver screening processes.
The incident in question occurred when a minor ordered food through DoorDash, and the driver, Jarrod, sent her a message asking if she had a boyfriend and complimenting her appearance. The minor’s mother, who goes by the name @officiallilwolf on TikTok, saw the message and contacted Jarrod to inform him that her daughter is underage and that his behavior is unacceptable.
@officiallilwolf reported the incident to DoorDash and local authorities to ensure the safety of her family. She also created a video including the messages and posted it on TikTok, which became viral. In a follow-up video, @officiallilwolf informed viewers that DoorDash had deactivated Jarrod’s account.
DoorDash confirmed that Jarrod’s account had been permanently deactivated and offered support to the family. However, DoorDash did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
This incident is not an isolated one, and it highlights the need for better driver screening processes. According to DoorDash’s website, the company conducts third-party background checks on their drivers, including a criminal history and motor vehicle report, and requires drivers to be at least 18 years old. However, recent studies have shown that the gig economy has made it easier for people with criminal records to get jobs, which poses a risk to customers.
While the gig economy has provided job opportunities to many, it has also brought some dangers. The lack of regulations and policies has made it easier for companies to prioritize profits over safety. In the case of food delivery services, drivers have access to customers’ personal information, including their names and addresses. Incidents like the one involving Jarrod have shown that it is essential to ensure the safety of customers, especially minors.
The incident involving Jarrod and the minor highlights the need for better driver screening processes in the gig economy. It is not enough to conduct background checks; companies need to ensure that their drivers have the necessary skills and behavior to deal with customers, especially minors. In the end, it is the responsibility of the companies to prioritize safety over profits.
