Lytx, Inc., a provider of video-based driver safety, recently announced the winners of its second annual “Driver of the Year” and “Coach of the Year” Awards. The announcement was made during an awards presentation at the third annual Lytx DriveCam™ Users Conference on Coronado Island in San Diego, CA.
The awards honor the best drivers and coaches among organizations currently using the Lytx DriveCam Program. For drivers, Lytx recognizes those who, using the DriveCam® program, operate their vehicles in a highly safe and responsible manner, and whose contributions reduce the potential for collisions. For coaches, the award honors those who set the example for excellence in mentoring their drivers and improving overall safety for their fleet.
“It is our profound honor to recognize these drivers and coaches who exemplify what we consider to be safest driving standards and behaviors found in the transportation industry today,” said Del Lisk, vice president of safety solutions for Lytx.
The winners of the “Driver of the Year” Award are being recognized across the following industries:
Industry: Services, Government and Utilities
- First Place — Johnny Bardge of Renzenberger, Inc. Bardge, who is based in Croxton, NJ, has been transporting crewmembers for Renzenberger, Inc. for more than 15 years. Johnny attributes both good driving habits and following the basic fundamentals rules as key cornerstones of safety. He offers his advice to fellow drivers – “To picture the whole road—anything around you and ahead of you—is your greatest defense.”
- Second Place — Jesse Diaz of ARS
- Third Place — Robert Schoeffmann of B&L Service, Inc.
Industry: Transit/Motorcoach
- First Place — Carl Watts of Easton Coach Company. Watts has been a paratransit operator providing services to people with disabilities throughout Southern New Jersey for nearly 15 years. “The passengers are my motivation to perform my duties well on a daily basis,” said Watts. “I always say, if you follow proper policy and procedure, and you sincerely care about your clientele, your experience as a driver will be very fulfilling.”
- Second Place — Winston Borders of Greater Cleveland (Ohio) RTA
- Third Place — Jeffrey Mayo of Greyhound Lines, Inc.
Industry: Trucking/Distribution
- First Place — Jeff Bolstad of Long Haul Trucking, Inc. Based out of Albertville, MN, Bolstad, whose childhood dream was to drive trucks, has driven for 37 years and covered three and a half million miles. His advice to other drivers is, “Be more aware of the conditions around you. Don’t be in a hurry; look forward, keep moving your head around to see the whole picture, watch what you’re doing when backing up, and go slower around corners in cities.”
- Second Place — Jerry Dancy of Cargo Transporters, Inc
- Third Place — Gordon Rivenburg of TransAm Trucking, Inc.
- Third Place — Alain Désilets of Linde Canada, LTD.
Industry: Waste Services
- First Place — Michael “Lynn” Sherum of WCA Waste Corporation. Sherum, based in Alpine, AL, has covered four million miles in his 31 years driving trucks. “I’ve always tried to be a safe driver and look out for others,” said Sherum. His advice is, “Always keep looking around, and never follow too closely because you never know what the person ahead will do. Pay attention 100 percent at all times. Pace yourself; don’t get caught up in trying to get there.”
- Second Place — James Herron of Waste Management, Inc.
- Second Place — Clayton Rayment of Waste Connections, Inc.
- Third Place — Scott Bois of Progressive Waste Solutions
Winners of “Coach of the Year” Awards are being recognized across the following industries:
Overall Winner — Juan Grimaldi of MV Transportation, Inc. (Industry: Transit/ Motorcoach)
- Grimaldi, a former firefighter, has worked for MV Transportation, Inc., the largest American-owned passenger transportation contractor, for seven years. He currently coaches drivers in Orlando, FL using the DriveCam Program. “This tool is a life saver,” said Grimaldi. “I’ve seen several near collisions that were avoided due to the safety knowledge the operators have received over time, using the DriveCam Program as a learning tool. It helps protect the operators and our clients, prevents fraudulent claims, and raises the accountability of drivers.” His advice to other coaches of driver safety is, “Make sure drivers know how much you care about them and safety.”
Industry: Transit/Motorcoach
- Second Place — Deborah Randolph of Easton Coach Company
- Third Place — Donnie Frayer Jr. of Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority
Industry: Trucking/Distribution - First Place — Michael Hyziak of US Foods
- Second Place — Mitch Perry of Con-way Freight
- Third Place — Michel Viel of Linde Canada, LTD
Industry: Waste Services
- First Place — Dane Williams of Waste Management, Inc.
- Second Place — Jake Pack of WCA Waste Corporation
- Third Place — Jonathan Dawley of All Waste, Inc.
“It’s with great pleasure that we congratulate the fantastic performance of all nominated drivers and coaches, and we are proud to recognize all of the winners. We are dedicated to continuing to enhance the DriveCam Program to help drivers continue to improve their skills, and honor those who have risen to the top of their profession.” Lisk concluded.
AboutLytx
At Lytx™, we harness the power of data to change human behavior and help good companies become even better. Our flagship product, Lytx™ DriveCam® sets the standard for driver safety in the industries we serve, and our RAIR® Compliance Services helps DOT-regulated fleets comply with safety regulations, complementing the DriveCam® Program. We protect more than 1,300 commercial and government fleet clients worldwide who drive billions of miles. Our clients realize significant ROI by lowering operating and insurance costs, while achieving greater efficiency and compliance. Most of all, we strive to help save lives – on our roads and in our communities, every day. Lytx is privately held and headquartered in San Diego. For more information, visit www.lytx.com, @lytx on Twitter, or on our YouTube channel.