And then it seems the manager failed to articulate that point (or perhaps they did, but people are the meeting were so upset that they weren't quite listening anymore).
The concern here is most likely people diddling with their phones (which tends to accompany such conversations but may be harder for the cameras to detect), followed by the distraction of zoning over a long conversation over any kind of device. Not singing along with the radio, obviously (which is what people seem to be reacting to so emotionally here).
You don't have to like it, and I would never work with Amazon in any capacity anyway (not for this, but for a whole bunch of vastly more important reasons).
But it's definitely neither insane, nor overreach on their part.
I am going to go out on a limb and say delivery quotas are the largest contributor to unsafe driving by Amazon delivery drivers. How far has Amazon loosened up delivery quotas, back them down to the proven safest levels, has Amazon done?
I think it's reasonable to require "no talking on phones" and I'd even go so far as to say "no listening to music" when you're driving a large commercial truck on the public roads.
If you think this is strict, have a look at what UPS requires of its drivers. They have very specific rules for how to do everything related to delivering packages and operating the vehicles. And not that I've specifically focused on it, but I can't recall ever hearing music playing in a UPS truck.
Let's ask the drivers themselves, and find out what they have to say on the subject. From tevesh21:
For the most part, we have the freedom to do most anything we want. However, we’re not supposed to waste company time (going to pick up a friend) and there’s specific rules that prohibit non ups employees from being on the package car. As for music, yes. Different drivers use different methods, I personally use earbuds, some drivers use a speaker.
And mrivorey:
I listen to audiobooks and a couple podcasts once I'm done with my commercial stops (ie: not talking to customers anymore). Sometimes when I want to finish work faster, I'll put on some high energy music to keep me motivated, but that's only occasionally because it's harder on the body.
Granted, these posts were from 5 years go and UPS may have cracked down since then. But if their posts are to believed, they've no need keep that gun in the glove box in case they ever need to find a speedy way to check out, just yet. As to the drivers stuck working for Amazon -- we can't be so sure.
I don't know how much Amazon itself really "cares" as much as not having clear safety guidelines and safety systems can result in liability when accidents do occur due to distracted driving on grounds the employer knowingly didn't try to prevent such accidents and was the reason for the employee to be driving at the time.
And then it seems the manager failed to articulate that point (or perhaps they did, but people are the meeting were so upset that they weren't quite listening anymore).