Amazon is constantly looking for ways to make our transportation network safer for drivers and the general public. We identified an increasing trend in members of the general public rear-ending the backs of commercial motor vehicle (CMV) trailers. So, in 2022, we installed flashing auxiliary lamps on and added additional reflective tape to dry van trailers owned by Amazon in an effort to make them more visible on the road.
The results? We found that, nationwide, auxiliary lamps reduced rear-end collision rates by 35.6% and a full perimeter of reflective tape reduced crash rates by 45.8%. This year, Amazon Relay plans to apply additional reflective tape to 100% of our owned trailer fleet. We’re also working on plans to increase our use of flashing auxiliary lamps.
Read on for the results of our latest studies.
What did Amazon do to improve trailer detection?
- In June 2022, we installed flashing auxiliary lamps on 152 Amazon-owned trailers. By the end of February 2023, the trailers with the flashing lamps had driven 3.3 million miles without a rear-end collision. Installation led to a 35.6% decrease in rear-end collision crash rate, including a 37.3% reduction in major crash rate.
- Starting February 2022, we uplifted Amazon-owned trailers with 2” of tape along the sides and top of the trailer doors. We found that in daylight and clear conditions, it increased the trailer’s observable distance from 475 ft to 656 ft, and from 331 ft to 629 ft in daytime raining conditions. Adding tape along the full perimeter of trailer doors led to a 45.8% decrease in crash rate, including a 67.4% reduction in major crash rate. Starting in June 2024, we’ve continued retrofitting existing Amazon assets with this reflective tape pattern. All new model year 2025 Amazon-owned trailers will also come pre-installed with it. We are aiming for a 100% rollout for all trailers by end of this year, helping to keep our transportation network safe through the busy season and beyond.
Behind the safety study
Here’s how we evaluated the effectiveness of these safety features in reducing the severity and frequency of road incidents.
- How did Amazon define crash rates? Any vehicle collision, regardless of avoidability or cost, involving a driver that provided middle mile transportation services for Amazon.
- How were crash rates calculated? Crash rates were based on the number of events / miles traveled x 1,000,000. Miles traveled refers to the total recorded trip mileage while the driver was providing services to Amazon. When verified miles were unavailable, we used planned or calculated miles using GPS pings.
Haul for a safety-first company
Amazon is continuing to take steps to strengthen road safety, and we’re looking for like-minded carriers to join us. Start your Relay application on desktop or our app on iOS or Android. But first, check out Relay’s carrier requirements to make sure hauling for Amazon is the right fit for your business.
Disclaimer: Amazon does not tender loads through any third-party load boards. Any Amazon loads posted on third-party load boards will only be tendered directly to approved and onboarded carriers via the Relay web portal or Relay mobile app. If you are interested in hauling loads for Amazon, sign up and book directly on relay.amazon.com.
