Camden’s research has found that legacy driver monitoring systems reduced crashes by 38.1%. Amazon also declined to share data on if its new camera monitoring system has been shown to improve safety.īut “the potential is huge,” said Matthew Camden, a researcher at the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute who has studied driver monitoring systems. “This app has given me nightmares!” said one reviewer on the Apple App Store.īass told CNN Business that Amazon works with vendors to continue to improve their products, but declined to comment on whether it is satisfied with the quality of the Mentor app, and if it feels the reviews reflect the quality of the app. Many reviews of the app say that it causes fear, as the scoring can feel unpredictable. The app has a 1.2 rating out of 5 on the Apple App Store, and a 1.3 out of 5 rating on the Google Play App Store. Mentor scores can impact a driver’s compensation. Receiving a text message can be considered distracted driving, they say, even if they don’t check their phone to read it. Their smartphone falling on the floor, or sliding around their vehicle can be interpreted as hard cornering or harsh braking, they say. But drivers interviewed by CNN Business say the app can unfairly penalize them as it misinterprets reasonable driving behaviors. Drivers will get real-time warnings if they run a stop sign, tailgate, or are distracted.Īmazon drivers say negative experiences with the company’s existing driver monitoring system contribute to their concerns.ĭrivers already use an app called Mentor that scores driving by tracking braking, acceleration, cornering, speeding and distraction. Amazon is going further and embracing cameras consistently pointed at drivers, which rely on artificial intelligence to voice real-time feedback. UPS says it’s relied on telematics for more than 20 years. Businesses like UPS and DHL rely on telematics systems that track driver behavior such as seat belt use, speed, acceleration and braking. Amazon/VimeoĬompanies monitoring commercial drivers isn’t new. “Whether it’s state-of-the art telemetrics and advanced safety technology in last-mile vans, driver-safety training programs, or continuous improvements within our mapping and routing technology, we have invested tens of millions of dollars in safety mechanisms across our network, and regularly communicate safety best practices to drivers.”Īmazon is rolling out AI-powered cameras that monitor its delivery drivers. “Safety is Amazon’s top priority,” Amazon’s Bass said in a statement. Amazon has said video footage from the cameras will only be sent to it in certain circumstances, including hard braking, hard acceleration and U-turns. They’re going to see it on camera.”Īmazon spokesperson Deborah Bass told CNN Business that drivers could not lose their jobs for a single mistake, but declined to detail how Amazon recommends the partner companies that make its deliveries handle feedback, coaching and discipline. “If one thing messes up, I’m going to freak out,” Elizabeth told CNN Business. (AMZN) said in a recent video that it hopes the new system gives drivers “peace of mind” while delivering packages, but drivers like Elizabeth say they’re nervous. At the same time, drivers like Elizabeth are bracing themselves for what happens when cameras can scrutinize their every move, delivering feedback that could impact their livelihoods. Road safety experts say Amazon’s driver monitoring should bring safety benefits for the company and everyone it shares roads with. She has deliveries to make and rules to follow, but says she enjoys being on the road by herself with what she calls a “limited freedom.”īut Elizabeth’s work environment is set to change as Amazon announced this month that it has begun to roll out cameras inside its delivery vehicles that monitor both the road, and its drivers. For Kamille Elizabeth, delivering Amazon packages in Wilmington, Delaware feels carefree and comfortable.
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