Smith System (driving)

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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]

Contents

The Smith System is built around five driving habits: [2] [6]

  1. Aim high in steering — look far ahead to have the greatest possible reaction time to dangers
  2. Get the big picture – be aware of your surroundings
  3. Keep your eyes moving – constant eye movement helps keep you alert
  4. Leave yourself an out – do not allow other drivers to box you in
  5. 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

  1. ↑ "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.
  2. 1 2 3 "5 Key Rules of the Smith System of Driving". topdriver.com. November 7, 2018. Retrieved May 6, 2023.
  3. ↑ "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.
  4. ↑ "About | Our History". drivedifferent.com. Retrieved May 6, 2023.
  5. 1 2 "Team | Our History". drivedifferent.com. Retrieved May 6, 2023.
  6. ↑ "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.
  7. ↑ "About". drivedifferent.com. Retrieved May 6, 2023.

Further reading

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