Awareness Principles

Truck drivers have the constant challenge of driving a truck weighing up to 80,000 pounds while safely navigating traffic, road work, and other hazards. Jerry Hyde, with Free Range Ministries, told about a time when he was driving a truck from Memphis, TN to Brownsboro, TX. He was driving in the rain on Interstate 40 when he had a close call in traffic. He was in the right lane, approaching an exit, when a car in the left lane came all the way across the interstate to the exit on the right. Jerry recalled the Smith System for safe driving but there was no time to react. Fortunately, the car missed the bumper of his truck, and an accident was averted.

Harold L. Smith founded the Smith System® driving school in 1952. The Smith System consists of 5 principles of safe driving. Using the phrase “All good kids like milk” will help you remember the A, G, K, L, M of the Smith System.

A - Aim high in steering.

Look beyond the cars in front of you and consider the traffic on the road up ahead. This will allow you enough time to react or adapt to changing traffic and/or road conditions.

G - Get the big picture. 

Be aware of your surroundings and the dangers you may encounter. Paying attention and seeing the big picture will allow you time to avoid dangerous situations.

K - Keep your eyes moving.

Continually look at what is ahead, behind, and on either side of you. This will keep you from being blind-sided by vehicles passing you or pulling out in front of you..

L - Leave yourself an out.

Always drive at a speed and distance from other vehicles that allows you to avoid dangerous situations and hazards on the road. Create a safety zone around you that increases the time and space you have to react to situations that arrise.

M - Make sure they see you.

Make sure that other drivers know where you are. Make eye contact with them, turn on your headlights, use your blinkers, and use your horn if necessary. Most people that pull out in front of you are not paying attention and do not see you.

Climbing behind the wheel of a large truck can be a concerning task. Road hazards, traffic patterns, the truck’s lack of agility and the distance needed to stop, all require you to be on heightened alert at all times. Following the Smith System reminds you to be observant, be ready, and be seen. Even though the Smith System was developed to promote safe driving, the same principles can be applied to a Christian’s life reminding you to be aware of others and to make disciples.

A - Aim High.

You must look forward, past your current situation, and be ready to react or adapt to the needs of people you encounter along the way.

“In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” (Acts 20:35)

G - Get the big picture. 

You must be aware of those around you and try to understand what is going on in their life. You will miss opportunities to minister to others if you are not paying attention to the big picture.

“Now may our God and Father himself, and our Lord Jesus, direct our way to you,” (1 Thessalonians 3:11)

K - Keep your eyes moving.

You must always be looking for opportunities to invest in the people around you and at your own discipleship growth. Losing focus on God’s will for your life can blind-side your effectiveness to witness.

“and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord.” (Ephesians 5:10)

L - Leave yourself an out.

You must not get entangled in the cares of this life. Create a safety zone around you through prayer and accountability with a discipleship group.

“And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:7)

M - Make sure they see you.

You must live your life in a way that others see Christ in you. Make sure your actions bring glory to God and point people toward Him.

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” (Acts 1:8)

Distracted driving and distracted living not only effect you but also the people around you. What divine appointments have you missed because you weren’t paying attention?