Article · Wikipedia archive · Last revised Jul 17, 2026

Smith System (driving)

The Smith System is a defensive driving strategy created in 1952 by Harold L. Smith. Smith's goal was to increase the safety of commercial drivers. After he opened the Safeway Driving School in Detroit in 1948, Smith established the Smith System Driver Improvement Institute in 1952.

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Jul 17, 2026
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The Smith System is a defensive driving strategy1 created in 1952 by Harold L. Smith.23 Smith's goal was to increase the safety of commercial drivers.2 After he opened the Safeway Driving School in Detroit in 1948,4 Smith established the Smith System Driver Improvement Institute in 1952.5

The Smith System is built around five driving habits:26

  1. Aim high in steering — look far ahead to have the greatest possible reaction time to dangers
  2. Get the big picture – be aware of your surroundings
  3. Keep your eyes moving – constant eye movement helps keep you alert
  4. Leave yourself an out – do not allow other drivers to box you in
  5. Make sure they see you – remove assumptions about other drivers

The company remains active, headquartered in Arlington, Texas.5 The company claims that it has trained drivers from more than half of the Fortune 500 companies.7

References

References

  1. "Company Teaches Its Employees to Drive Defensively—and Live". Los Angeles Times. November 26, 1961. p. E-16. Retrieved May 6, 2023 – via newspapers.com.
  2. "5 Key Rules of the Smith System of Driving". topdriver.com. November 7, 2018. Retrieved May 6, 2023.
  3. "Plan Has Phone Drivers 'Read' Possible Road Risks". The News Journal. Wilmington, Delaware. April 5, 1960. p. 21. Retrieved May 6, 2023 – via newspapers.com.
  4. "About | Our History". drivedifferent.com. Retrieved May 6, 2023.
  5. "Team | Our History". drivedifferent.com. Retrieved May 6, 2023.
  6. "Mrs. W. C. Scott Discusses Safe Driving For Civic Club Members". Pampa News. Pampa, Texas. March 29, 1959. p. 14. Retrieved May 6, 2023 – via newspapers.com.
  7. "About". drivedifferent.com. Retrieved May 6, 2023.
Further reading

Further reading

External links