Amazon drivers prepare for Oklahoma weather with hands-on simulator training

A new program for Amazon delivery workers in Oklahoma City is helping drivers prepare for Oklahoma's severe weather season.

What Is The Program?

The "Last Mile Driver Academy" is an all-indoor training site designed to help prepare drivers for hazardous conditions, with safety practices so they can be safe on the job through all four seasons.

"It's more in-depth for the drivers because it gives them a sense of what they will face on the road," operations manager Kate Wiley said.

With a slip and fall simulator, trainees suit up in a harness while trainers spray water and throw objects in their way to give them a real-world experience.

Additionally, an egress machine shows trainees how to enter and exit a vehicle without placing stress on the body.

Virtual reality sessions include following along with an interactive video to highlight being on the road and simulate different safe delivery practices.

How Are Drivers Responding?

Since its introduction, Wiley said she believes the new interactive training has made a night-and-day difference compared to what training looked like before with online modules.

"They may be a little apprehensive at first, considering it is new and they have to put on a harness," Wiley said. "Overall, they really like it."

Is This Training Being Implemented Elsewhere?

This training in Oklahoma City comes after Amazon saw success in other states as well as the delivery station in Tulsa.

What Is The Plan For The Future?

Amazon is always looking to improve and is currently looking at adding more of its interactive training to the Oklahoma City metro in the future.