DoorDash launches new driver safety features

DoorDash is unveiling five new offerings designed to ensure that drivers make safe deliveries.

The on-demand delivery platform (which appears to be expanding its business model) is following up on the SafeDash in-app safety toolkit it rolled out in partnership with security company ADT for drivers in 2021. Now, DoorDash drivers have access to five additional safety features:

• SafeDash Check-In. If DoorDash detects that a delivery is taking longer than expected, the company automatically check in to see if the driver is okay. If they feel unsafe or are unresponsive, an ADT safety agent will call them and, if necessary, provide assistance or contact 911. SafeDash Check-In will initially launch in New York City and Washington, D.C., before being rolled out across the U.S. 
• Real-Time Safety Alerts. DoorDash is partnering with global crisis detection platform SamDesk to roll out Real-Time Safety Alerts. In the event of an emergency, DoorDash can quickly alert drivers, customers and retailers about the incident and suspend operations near the impacted area. This includes canceling any active deliveries and proactively checking in on drivers near any impacted area to make sure they are okay.

So far, DoorDash has piloted Real-Time Safety Alerts in response to active shootings, bomb threats and building fires across the U.S. The feature will be available in the U.S., Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. 

• SafeChat. If DoorDash technology detects inappropriate or offensive language in a chat on its app, the person who sent the message will receive a warning reminding them of the potential consequences. The person who received the message will automatically be given the option to report the issue and if they are a driver, they can unassign from the delivery without any penalty. SafeChat is now active in the U.S., Canada, Australia and New Zealand. 
• Safety Reporting. If a customer makes a driver feel unsafe, they can immediately report it via in-app chat or call for investigation. Drivers can also choose to block future deliveries made through the DoorDash platform to that customer in the future. This feature is available in the U.S., Canada, Australia and New Zealand. 
• Porch Lights Reminders. DoorDash will send a notification to customers asking them to turn their porch or house lights on as the driver is approaching. This service is now active in the U.S, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. 

“When we launched SafeDash a year ago, it was a giant step forward in becoming the platform most trusted by individuals looking for app-based work,” said Rajat Shroff, VP of product at DoorDash. “As we continue to dream big in developing the best earnings platform for supplemental income, we’re excited to roll out our largest safety product update ever, giving Dashers greater peace of mind while on the road. We look forward to continuing to develop and launch innovative new safety features.”

Instacart develops new shopper support offerings
Chief DoorDash rival Instacart has also been introducing a number of new support features for its shoppers (Instacart’s term for workers who fulfill online customer orders at partner brick-and-mortar stores). Recently, the company launched peak earning days, a feature providing them with information about certain days that will offer higher earnings opportunities in specific areas, so they can plan for the week ahead. 

In July, the company launched Cart Star, a new rewards program for its shoppers. Other features Instacart has added for shoppers this year include new shopper app features and several upgrades to the customer tipping process.