Texas-based Smith System, a provider of professional driver training since 1952, has announced that it has received the Safety Award from the UK Energy Institute for its Airside Driver Safety Training in partnership with ExxonMobil Aviation. The Energy Institute, a Royal Charter membership group, is an international organization for the energy industries, representing almost 12,000 professionals.
The Smith System Airside Driver Safety Training program was developed as a best practices approach designed to reduce the number of incidents involving collisions of airport refueling vehicles. It includes materials for classroom and on-road training that is specific to the airport environment. According to the company, since implementing the program, ExxonMobil Aviation has achieved a near 50% reduction in the number of incidents involving its 1200 aircraft 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 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.
More information is available at www.smith-system.com.