Amazon Stepping Up Fleet Safety with Cutting-Edge Tech Investment

In an effort to bolster safety measures across its worldwide transportation network, Amazon is rolling out a $200 million investment in advanced technology solutions for 2023. The e-commerce giant recently revealed on their website the expansive range of tech-based initiatives designed to ensure reliable sustainability and security now and into the future.

According to Udit Madan, vice president of Amazon transportation, Amazon is taking proactive steps towards the goals outlined in the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Roadway Safety Strategy (NRSS).

“It’s our belief that the technology we create, along with innovations spearheaded by our industry partners, can raise the bar on safety and reduce crash frequency and severity,” he said. “And in many cases, these innovations are better for the environment, too.”

Safety Technology for Middle-Mile Trucking

Amazon has updated its middle-mile trucking network with advanced safety technology to ensure packages reach their destinations safe and sound. The new measures include features such as…

• automatic emergency braking
• front-collision warning
• stability control
• lane-departure warning
• side-object detection
• adaptive cruise control
• speed limiters

Amazon’s tractors have been outfitted with driver-facing cameras since 2017. In addition, trailers are equipped with several safety features such as sensors to monitor lights, anti-lock braking systems, cargo and door sensors, and more in an effort to keep drivers and motorists safer on the roads.

“Based on our full technology package, equipment manufacturers have indicated that Amazon is a pioneer in incorporating the most advanced safety features,” Madan said. “And outside of our fleet, we’ve invested heavily in our route planning navigation systems and predictive analytics software to better monitor fleet safety.”

Last-Mile Delivery Safety Tech

Amazon is also working to expand in-vehicle camera safety to its last-mile delivery network. This technology is capable of identifying safety events and providing real-time alerts.

“We began outfitting Amazon-branded delivery vans in the U.S. with this technology in 2020 and, since rolling it out, we’ve seen a 35% reduction in accident rates across our network,” Madan wrote. “This technology is a game-changer and will be in nearly 100% of Amazon-branded vehicles by April 2023.”

Madan also provided some additional examples of the cutting-edge solutions they are deploying, such as strobing brake light technology in some trailers and digital side mirror camera technology to reduce blind spots.

“As we pilot new technologies and learn about the safety efficacy, we’ll be able to make data-driven decisions about whether and how to deploy these and other technologies broadly across our fleet of vehicles and trailers.”

Source: truckinginfo