The Smith System is a defensive driving strategy[1] created in 1952 by Harold L. Smith.[2][3] Smith's goal was to increase the safety of commercial drivers.[2] After he opened the Safeway Driving School in Detroit in 1948,[4] Smith established the Smith System Driver Improvement Institute in 1952.[5]
The Smith System is built around five driving habits:[2][6]
- Aim high in steering — stay alert to traffic and dangers
- Get the big picture – be aware of your surroundings
- Keep your eyes moving – constant eye movement helps keep you alert
- Leave yourself an out – do not allow other drivers to box you in
- Make sure they see you – remove assumptions about other drivers
The company remains active, headquartered in Arlington, Texas.[5] The company claims that it has trained drivers from more than half of the Fortune 500 companies.[7]
References
edit- ^ "Company Teaches Its Employees to Drive Defensively—and Live". Los Angeles Times. November 26, 1961. p. E-16. Retrieved May 6, 2023 – via newspapers.com.
- ^ a b c "5 Key Rules of the Smith System of Driving". topdriver.com. November 7, 2018. Retrieved May 6, 2023.
- ^ "Plan Has Phone Drivers 'Read' Possible Road Risks". The News Journal. Wilmington, Delaware. April 5, 1960. p. 21. Retrieved May 6, 2023 – via newspapers.com.
- ^ "About | Our History". drivedifferent.com. Retrieved May 6, 2023.
- ^ a b "Team | Our History". drivedifferent.com. Retrieved May 6, 2023.
- ^ "Mrs. W. C. Scott Discusses Safe Driving For Civic Club Members". Pampa News. Pampa, Texas. March 29, 1959. p. 14. Retrieved May 6, 2023 – via newspapers.com.
- ^ "About". drivedifferent.com. Retrieved May 6, 2023.
Further reading
edit- Ritzel, Dale O., The Smith System (PDF), Southern Illinois University Carbondale, retrieved May 6, 2023 – via SIU.edu