DHL Holds Industry's Second Annual Driver Safety Rodeo

DHL, the world's leading international express services provider, is continuing to drive its commitment to safety with its second annual Safe-Driving Rodeo Competition. DHL tapped Smith System, the premier organization in driving safety, to be its judge for the second year.

The first safe driving competition was so successful that this year DHL expanded participation to both full-and part-time couriers. The competition launched March 1 at DHL locations nationwide. More than 640 couriers volunteered to be part of the ongoing, real-time test of defensive driving skills. Central to the competition was GPS-based Geotab monitoring. The system keeps real-time, "real-street" tabs on couriers' driving habits so that they get immediate reinforcement on how to fine-tune driving behaviors where needed.

On August 17, the top 15 couriers in the competition competed in Dallas in the final leg of the safety rodeo, which included freeway driving, city street driving, vehicle inspection and a safe-driving written exam that Smith System administered. Finalists received prizes, and the grand-prize winner was recognized at a reception in Dallas.

"Rather than making this a one-day, one-off affair, our rodeo measures safety over an extended period of time, because at DHL, we view safety as an everyday event," said Cain Moodie, SVP of Network Operations for DHL express U.S. "By monitoring and assessing couriers' driving performances for nearly half a year through this competition, we are able to further commit ourselves to the safety of both our employees and the many communities where we conduct business."

The Smith System's "5 Keys to Space Cushion Driving" figure prominently in the competition. They are: Aim High in Steering, Get the Big Picture, Keep Your Eyes Moving, Leave Yourself an Out, and Make Sure They See You.

"With even more contestants this year than last, it is clear that our couriers are committed to safety and to helping promote safer driving habits, which is not only beneficial to DHL but to our customers and other drivers on the roads," said Moodie. "When it comes to being safer drivers, DHL is always ready to rodeo."