Smith System(R) Receives Energy Institute Top Safety Award; Airside Driver Safety Training for ExxonMobil Aviation Improves Global Airport Safety
ARLINGTON, Texas--Feb. 1, 20066, 2006--Smith System, the global leader in professional driver training, today announced it has received the Safety Award from the UK Energy Institute for its Airside Driver Safety Training in partnership with ExxonMobil Aviation. The Airside Driver Safety Training program was developed as a best practice approach designed to reduce the number of incidents involving collisions of airport refueling vehicles. The training program is applicable to anyone operating vehicles in an airport environment.The Airside Driver Safety Training includes materials for both classroom and on-road training that is specific to the airport environment. In creating the program, Smith System applied its proven "Five Keys to Space Cushion Driving" that emphasizes the core driving fundamentals of space, visibility and time. Since implementing the program, ExxonMobil Aviation has achieved a near 50 percent reduction in the number of incidents with its 1200 airplane refueling vehicles based at 250 airports around the world.
"We are honored to receive this award with our long-time partner ExxonMobil and are thankful to the Energy Institute for this recognition," said Tony Douglas, CEO of Smith System. "The results of the Airside Driver Safety Training program prove once again that the fundamentals of the Smith System consistently improve safety in any hazardous driving environment."
According to a recent National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) report, by reducing accidents on the airport ramp, the aviation industry can save billions of dollars in related costs. The UK Energy Institute, whose purpose is to promote the safe, environmentally responsible and efficient supply and use of energy in all forms and applications, awarded the Airside Driver Safety Training its highest Safety Award for "the most impressive new step towards enhancing the energy industry's safety record."
The Airside Driver Safety Training includes video from airport locations around the globe, specialized on-road and classroom training focused on common causes of accidents, and the creation of standard safety procedures for use of equipment, inspections and hand signaling. Training scenarios encompass public roads, designated airport roads, approaching an aircraft, maneuvering under aircraft wings, and avoiding collisions with other airport vehicles.
About the Energy Institute
Based in London, UK, the Energy Institute (EI) is the leading professional body for the energy industries, representing almost 12,000 professionals both nationally and internationally. A Royal Charter membership organization, the Energy Institute serves society with independence, professionalism and a wealth of expertise in energy matters, creating a home for energy professionals and a scientific and technical reservoir for industry.
About ExxonMobil
ExxonMobil Aviation operates at 250 airports around the world, providing 18 percent of the world jet fuel demand.
About Smith System
Smith System Driver Improvement Institute, Inc. was founded in 1952 as the world's first fleet driver safety training organization with on-road, hands-on safety education techniques for experienced drivers. Smith System delivers behind the wheel instruction to more than 40,000 fleet drivers each year and has presented their program in 70 countries. In the past decade, Smith has provided services to more than half of the current Fortune 500(R) fleets and is the only company in the industry that guarantees the quality of their training. In addition to its on-road training and extensive video and DVD library, the company offers web-based education and fleet monitoring. For more information, visit www.smith-system.com.