Essex

Safe Driving is Key

First Drivers Take The 'Smith System' Challenge

"Safety first' is the key rewarding our careful bus drivers across Essex.

First will be testing drivers on their advanced driving skills, following a successful trial run in Clacton last year of the "Smith System Challenge'.

Running from March 30 to May 9, drivers will be quizzed on their knowledge of the five "keys' of the Smith System advanced driver training course. Across the county, individuals who correctly answer the questions will be entered into a prize draw to win an MP3 player.

The competition was conceived to reward those who could recall the main methods of the System. The patented training techniques are in place across all of First Essex depots, and focus on the core driving fundamentals of space, visibility and time.

The Smith System is a unique advanced safe driving course that has already achieved huge success worldwide in increasing awareness of safe driving techniques and reducing accidents. The System recognises that most collisions are preventable if the correct driving habits are learned and practiced and the application of these 5 Key Principles has a proven direct positive effect on driving.

Through a combination of behind the wheel training and supplemented by video and DVD, the system teaches drivers "five keys to safe driving'. These are: Aim High In Steering, Get The Big Picture, Keep Your Eyes Moving, Leave Yourself An Out, and Make Sure They See You.

Alvin Parker, acting Health and Safety manager for First Essex, said: "In Essex, we take pride with our focus on safety awareness. Even if sometimes it can seem boring, we must never give up with our safety campaign.

"It is especially nice when we can introduce a bit of fun but still keep getting the safety message across, and the Smith System quiz is that bit of fun.'

MD for First Essex, Alan Pilbeam, said safety was the number one concern in Essex, with the key message 'If you cannot do it safely, don't do it'.

Last December, Arthur Galea and Sarah Sayer of Clacton each won a £50 M&S voucher in the depot's introduction of the Smith System challenge.