SAN DIEGO - SmartDrive Systems Inc., a provider of vehicle safety management and measuring services, and “Fleet Radio” announced the two winners (one in the U.S., one in Europe) of the Safety-Risk Manager of the Year for 2007. In the United States, the winner is Sam Dunbar, Director of Safety for Con-way Freight. In Europe, the award goes to Jon York, Fleet Operations Manager for British Gas (UK), a subsidiary of Centrica Corporation.

As a 13-year veteran director with Safety for Con-way Freight, Dunbar is responsible for more than 7,000 power units and 16,000 drivers. Dunbar has initiated 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. This year, under Dunbar’s tutelage, Con-way sent 52 of its drivers to the National Truck Driving Championships (aka the “Super Bowl of Safety”) in Minneapolis.

“Through his leadership, skill and dedication our safety program has become one of the most effective and progressive in the industry,” said Bob Petrancosta, vice president of Safety for Con-way Freight.

British Gas Fleet operations manager, Jon York, has put in place a recognized fleet safety and risk mitigation programs in the UK. York manages a fleet of more than 15,000 vehicles ranging from sedans to large trucks. In 2006, British Gas cut collisions by 8% and reduced costs by £730,000 year, under York's direction.

SmartDrive Systems and the radio show “Fleet Radio by SmartDrive” sponsor the Safety-Risk Manager of the Year Award. Automotive Digest contributed to the promotion of the contest and the evaluation of the nominees.