SAN DIEGO --- Loomis Armored, which operates a fleet of armored vehicles, said it is expanding its use of the SmartDrive Systems safety program to an additional 1,000 vehicles in its fleet. Loomis's decision was based on a study that concluded the SmartDrive system reduced collision frequency by 53 percent. 

The study included over 1,000 vehicles, more than 2,800 drivers and nearly 700,000 measured driving events over a six-month period, comparing collision frequency before and after implementation of the SmartDrive Measured Safety System.

SmartDrive said its program produced significant driver improvements in the Loomis Armored fleet. Driver distraction dropped 54 percent, fatigue dropped 56 percent, seatbelts non-usage fell 68 percent, and speeding fell 53 percent. 

Test results, validated independently by Aon, also showed that collisions for these same vehicles declined by 53 percent, resulting in significant savings in auto liability, physical damage and workers' compensation as well as keeping drivers safe and protecting the company's safety reputation, SmartDrive said. 

As a result, Loomis is implementing the SmartDrive program in another 1,000 vehicles in 2009. 

"We implemented the SmartDrive Measured Safety Program because of our strong and dedicated commitment to our people and the communities we operate in," said Danny Pack, senior vice president of risk management for Loomis. "Being able to quantifiably reduce collisions, send drivers home safe each night, and reduce our fleet expenses at the same time are extremely rewarding on many levels." 

"By creating safer drivers, the frequency, severity and financial impact of collisions can be minimized, saving lives and resources," added Greg Drew, CEO of SmartDrive Systems.