When I received the invitation to participate with an article focusing on the duties and responsibilities of a “Corporate Protection Driver,” I surprisingly had no clear thoughts on where to begin. After all, this is a job demanding constant readiness on many levels. How was it then, that I was unable to recall any information on a subject with which I am highly familiar? The fact that it was Monday morning, and I was much in need of a second cup of coffee, may have contributed. A short time later, coffee in hand, I was able to see the work of a corporate protection driver as the art of combining specific skills with a particular state of mind. To be more precise, the trust placed in the driver works best when a certain hybrid of experience precedes it.
In my role as a professional driver for a global company, it is my privileged responsibility (in conjunction with our Loss Prevention Department) to provide the safest and most dependable ground transportation for our senior management. Every detail of a principal’s itinerary (as it pertains to vehicle travel) is put into written form, and ample time is given for consultation and review. Route analysis is among the highest concerns, as is vehicle selection and maintenance. Occasionally, I will consult with a select group of individuals outside our company with regards to route planning, location updates and the like. There is often good intelligence available, and it is our aim to make certain that every trip is without incident.
In keeping with that ideal, I found the training at Vehicle Dynamics Institute to be invaluable. This is the right instruction presented in the right way. I have over 20 years of driving experience in the corporate arena, and found their Protective Driving Program and the Tony Scotti Vehicle Dynamics Institute to be the “crown jewel of continuing education.”
Finally, you may have noticed that I have taken a generic approach in commenting on the daily work of a corporate driver. The absence of specific information (with respect to employer, location, and so on) is deliberate. Although this newsletter is distributed to a select and trusted audience, it is wise to safeguard certain information (It is also, departmental policy).
As I mentioned earlier, “constant readiness” is paramount. Whether it involves multiple itinerary changes, traffic and weather, a disabled vehicle, street threat or a medical emergency, a corporate protection driver relies on experience, training, and resources to successfully manage these and other events, occurring solely or in concert. It’s all part of making a challenging and rewarding job look easy.
Anthony is an International Security Driver Association (ISDA) Certified Driver, Tier One
For more information about Anthony, read his Member Spotlight. You can connect with Anthony on LinkedIn.
Read more about the ISDA Tier One certification requirements.
This post is authored by an International Security Driver Association (ISDA) Member
The International Security Driver Association (ISDA) serves the Protective Services community. ISDA’s mission is to support an international forum of protective service providers who share knowledge for the purpose of enhancing the profession.
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