Amazon Flex is piloting new security options for its drivers, based on a report from The Info.

This follows a sequence of incidents by which Flex drivers, who use their very own vehicles for deliveries, have reportedly been met with violence or risk by residents: since 2022, 5 Flex drivers have been shot in 4 totally different incidents and 5 others stated they’ve had weapons drawn on them. In lots of of those incidents, house house owners have been reported to have mistaken supply drivers for intruders because of their vehicles being unmarked.

Amazon is now implementing measures to stop this, together with a characteristic in its app that may show a Flex driver’s identify and {photograph} to clients awaiting supply. At the moment, the corporate doesn’t present clients with any details about who’s delivering their packages.

As well as, a choose group of Flex drivers is being given Amazon-branded merchandise to show on their vehicles, akin to magnets and lights. These shall be handed out to drivers starting this month. Amazon can be engaged on a textual content characteristic mechanically alerting clients when a supply is about to be made. Drivers at the moment have the choice of independently texting clients themselves.

Launched in 2015, Flex is a program the place impartial contractors can signal as much as make Amazon deliveries in their very own autos. Drivers can work based on their very own schedules and availability, with Amazon pitching this system as a facet hustle and a method to earn more money: “Select the blocks that suit your schedule, then get again to dwelling your life,” reads the web site. The corporate says that almost all of their gig drivers earn between $18 to $25 per hour for his or her deliveries.

Amazon’s present security suggestions for Flex drivers embody carrying a excessive visibility security vest, and slip-resistant, closed-heel, and closed-toe footwear. The corporate additionally affords free Amazon-branded vests for drivers at their supply stations.

Again in 2019, Amazon carried out facial recognition through selfies to confirm the identities of Flex drivers, as a method to guard clients, cut back fraud, and assure that solely folks approved to ship packages have been ready to take action. The brand new pilot options are extra geared in the direction of defending drivers. Amazon spokesperson Maya Vautier instructed The Info that the measures are a part of the corporate’s “ongoing complete security efforts.”

“We’ll maintain listening to Amazon Flex supply companions, inventing on their behalf, and piloting new services and products to assist enhance their expertise,” stated Vautier.

Mashable has reached out to Amazon for remark.