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How the Smith System improves your charter bus trip experience
The 5 Principles of safe driving still taught today
Harold L Smith: The father of defensive driving
In 1952 Harold Smith authored a driving code intended to protect commercial drivers.
It was so successful that he went on to open the Smith System Driver Improvement Institute. Even today many Fortune 500 companies have Smith-trained drivers.
How this affects your trip
The 5 Habits of Highly Effective Drivers
- Aim high in steering. This simply means to direct attention upward and outward to see more of the road.
- Get the big picture. Extend your situational awareness beyond the road.
- Keep scanning. Eye movement helps keep you alert.
- Leave yourself an out. In other words, make sure there’s a space cushion around you.
- Make sure they see you. Headlights on. Turn signals in use. Horn ready.
The 5 aspects of the Smith System are even more valuable to charter bus drivers.
There are more passengers, for starters, and larger vehicles that require more space to operate safely. This is why Lorenz still embraces Smith System practices and involves them in our driver training.