DoorDash to expand safety features first tested in Salt Lake City

SALT LAKE CITY — In July, DoorDash initiated a pilot program in Salt Lake City and Phoenix to keep delivery drivers distraction-free while on the road. Now the company says it will add the features in eight other markets.

Based on a press release from the company, the program mimics others offered by auto insurance companies. The tool, called Driving Insights, uses information from a driver’s cell phone while they are working as a DoorDash driver. It identifies driving habits like quick breaking and accelerating quickly.

The idea is to help drivers identify bad habits before those habits turn into dangerous situations.

“At DoorDash, our goal is to create the best possible experience for all Dashers and for the communities we serve,” said Austin Haugen, Vice President of Dasher Product, in a press release.

“Testing these new features is another important step toward achieving this goal.”

Another part of the pilot plan is a collaborative effort with Apple Carplay. Those drivers with iPhones can sync their phones to their car. The idea is to help drivers keep their eyes on the road, or at least closer to the road, if they need to interact with their phones.

A DoorDasher’s perspective 

Alexie Zollinger worked as a DoorDash driver for over two years. She told KSL NewsRadio she was surprised it took so long to give drivers these features.

“I know we’re so specific about not being on our phones while we’re driving, but, that’s so vital to the job,” Zollinger said. “So it’s like I’m glad that they’re doing something to try to structure that and in the safest way possible.”

Finally, drivers who use in-app navigation in the company’s Driving Insights app can see the speed limit for the road they’re traveling. The app will also display the driver’s speed for comparison purposes.

Keep reading: VIDEO: Heber City Police arrest DoorDash driver, finish up his order