SmartDrive Systems and the radio show "Fleet Radio by SmartDrive" have announced the two winners (one for the U.S., one for Europe) of their Safety-Risk Manager of the Year for 2007. In the United States, the award goes to Sam Dunbar, director of safety for Con-way Freight, and in Europe, the honoree award is Jon York, fleet operations manager for British Gas (UK), a subsidiary of Centrica Corp.
SmartDrive said that as director of safety for Con-way Freight, Dunbar is in charge of more than 7,000 power units and 16,000 drivers."Dunbar has infused a series of safety measures for Con-way focusing on a proactive approach to keeping his drivers and the American driving public safe on the roadways," said SmartDrive. "This year, under Dunbar's tutelage, Con-way sent 52 of its drivers to the National Truck Driving Championships in Minneapolis. Dunbar's cutting-edge approach to managing his fleet includes an ever-evolving safety program and a new driver benefits, bonus and retention package."
Dunbar has been Con-way's director of safety for 13 years. Prior to that, he was regional manager for the southern region for Con-way and has worked for the company since the 1980s. In the late '60s and early '70s, Dunbar played pro ball in the Chicago White Sox system, eventually making it to the Major Leagues as a pitcher.
"This is a fitting and well-deserved honor for Sam," said Bob Petrancosta, vp of safety for Con-way Freight. "Through his leadership, skill and dedication our safety program has become one of the most effective and progressive in the industry."
British Gas fleet operations Manager Jon York has put in place one of the finest fleet safety and risk mitigation programs in the UK, noted SmartDrive. York manages a fleet of more than 15,000 vehicles ranging from sedans to large trucks. "Over the past 18 months, British Gas' road safety programs have gone well beyond what is common in the wider transport industry, through innovative and industry-leading occupational road safety initiatives, which were implemented by York," said SmartDrive. "In 2006, British Gas cut collisions by 8% and reduced costs by £730,000 a year, leaving a positive impact on the communities in which the company operates."
For more information, go to SmartDrive online.
