Amazon is piloting new safety features for its Flex drivers after a series of violent incidents involving delivery personnel. Since 2022, reports indicate that five Flex drivers have been shot in separate incidents, prompting Amazon to take action to enhance driver safety.

Over the past year, there have been multiple reports of Flex drivers facing violence or threats from residents while making deliveries.
In response to these incidents, Amazon is introducing safety measures to protect its drivers and prevent misunderstandings between drivers and residents.

Amazon is testing a feature in its app that displays a Flex driver’s name and photograph to customers awaiting delivery, enhancing transparency and awareness.
Additionally, select Flex drivers will receive Amazon-branded merchandise, such as magnets and lights, to make their vehicles more identifiable during deliveries.
The company is also working on a text alert feature to notify customers when a delivery is imminent, improving communication between drivers and recipients.

Flex, launched in 2015, allows independent contractors to deliver Amazon packages using their own vehicles on a flexible schedule.
Amazon promotes Flex as a side hustle opportunity, emphasizing drivers’ ability to choose delivery blocks that align with their availability.
The program offers drivers hourly earnings ranging from $18 to $25, depending on the delivery workload.

Amazon previously implemented facial recognition technology for Flex drivers in 2019 to verify their identities and enhance security.
Current safety recommendations for Flex drivers include wearing high-visibility vests and slip-resistant footwear provided by Amazon.

Amazon spokesperson Maya Vautier emphasized that the new safety measures are part of the company’s ongoing efforts to prioritize driver safety.
Vautier stated that Amazon remains committed to listening to feedback from Flex drivers and continuously improving safety protocols and services.

Amazon’s pilot of new safety features for Flex drivers reflects the company’s commitment to addressing safety concerns and enhancing the delivery experience. By implementing measures such as driver identification features and vehicle branding, Amazon aims to improve communication and reduce the risk of misunderstandings during deliveries.

Source: according to a report from The Information