DF 0813 proof August 2013 | Page 34

DRIVERS TOOL BOX
• • • By Tom Kelley • • •
DRIVERS TOOL BOX

Get With The System

MOST OF THE top safety managers in the trucking business have a system of one kind or another for training drivers to minimize preventable accidents. Even though the fine details may be unique, there should be a number of proven core elements common to any driver safety training system.
One of the most time-proven driver safety training programs is the Smith System. It was originally developed in 1952 when Harold Smith established the Smith System Driver Improvement Institute, the nation ' s first professional driver training company. He understood that most collisions are preventable if the right driving habits are learned, practiced and applied consistently. Since then, millions of drivers throughout the world have benefited from the program he developed.
Dubbed as the“ Smith System of No Accident Driving,” it is every bit as applicable today as it was over 60 years ago. The Smith System is based on five key elements:
Safety Training System Reduces Accidents
• Aim High In Your Steering
• Get The Big Picture
• Keep Your Eyes Moving
• Make Sure They See You
• Leave Yourself An Out
Today’ s Smith System includes online and telematics components
To learn more about the Smith System, check out their site at www. smith-system. com on the web.
34 DrivingForceMag. com August 2013 • • •
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