The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) recently announced that Greyhound motorcoach operator Crawford Lassiter has been selected as this year’s International Driver Excellence Award (IDEA) recipient. With 45 years of incident-free professional driving experience, Lassiter has driven more than 2.5 million safe miles.

It all started in 1979. “There was an ad in the paper,” Lassiter said. “I went down and interviewed and passed with flying colors. I went through the training and I started as a driver.”

Lassiter, an Army veteran, has worked with Greyhound for the past 45 years. He has a passion for roadway safety and driver training. Not only is Lassiter an experienced motorcoach operator, he is also head driver safety instructor, spending hours of his time on the road and in the classroom teaching, mentoring and helping new Greyhound operators and even new operators from other companies.

“Crawford embodies professionalism, pride, and care for our passengers,” said Greyhound’s Regional Vice President Matthew Maglio, who nominated Lassiter for the award. “He’s not just a safe driver; he’s a mentor, a standard-bearer for the company and the whole industry, and he’s just a true team player who is always ready to help his students and colleagues.”

Lassiter found out he was nominated for the International Driver Excellence Award at the same time he found out he received the award. “The vice president called me up and told me he had nominated me, and that I had received the award,” Lassiter said. “I was overwhelmed and so happy. I couldn’t believe it.”

“On behalf of the Alliance, I’d like to congratulate Mr. Lassiter for his unwavering commitment to roadway safety, his impressive expertise and exceptional leadership as a safety instructor, and for always setting an outstanding example for others to follow,” said CVSA President Capt. John Hahn with the Colorado State Patrol.

“It’s drivers like Crawford who are bridging our legacy and our future,” Maglio noted. “His dedication, his accident-free record, and his commitment to training the next generation show what it means to raise the bar for intercity travel.”

The Keys to a Distinguished Driving Career

How has Lassiter managed to have all those safe driving miles over all those years? As an experienced driving safety instructor, his answer reflected his training experience. “I use the Smith5Keys. Aim high in steering. Get the big picture. Keep your eyes moving. Leave yourself an out. And, make sure they see you.”

CVSA’s International Driver Excellence Award isn’t the only award Lassiter has received recently. The Pennsylvania Bus Association honored him with the Driver of Distinction Award, an award that recognizes outstanding drivers for their contributions to their company, their passengers, the motorcoach industry, and the community in which they serve.

“I need to motivate the next generation of upcoming drivers and instructors to be courteous, helpful, and safe,” Lassiter said.

When asked what he likes most about his profession, Lassiter said he enjoys interacting with passengers and customers. He says, simply put, “I love driving.”

Lassiter’s advice for other professional drivers is: “Come in early so you’re not rushing. That really messes up the rest of your day, when you’re trying to catch up.”

Excellence on the Road, Gratitude at Heart

Lassiter’s long, incident-free professional driving career would not have been possible without the support of the people around him. “I would like to thank Matt Maglio for his support,” Lassiter said. “And I definitely have to thank my wife and kids. You have to have a strong support system to do this job, to be away from home.”

“Crawford is an asset to Greyhound, the intercity bus industry, and commercial motor vehicle drivers everywhere,” added Maglio. “He’s known for his impeccable appearance — how he’s always in a pressed uniform with polished shoes and a professional demeanor. But even more importantly, he has a perfect accident-free record, perfect attendance, and a winning attitude.”

When Lassiter isn’t on the road or training drivers, he enjoys deep sea fishing, driving his Maserati, riding his motorcycle, and spending time with his family.

“The world needs more Crawford Lassiters,” said Maglio.

Lassiter will attend the CVSA Annual Conference and Exhibition in Denver, Colorado, in September where he will receive $5,000 and a crystal trophy at the awards luncheon on Sept. 24.

The CVSA International Driver Excellence Award

PrePass Safety Alliance sponsored the 2025 International Driver Excellence Award. PrePass Safety Alliance brings together state and motor carrier industry decision-makers to advance highway safety and efficiency. PrePass Safety Alliance’s mission is to make highways safer and more efficient through innovative data-driven solutions.

As the leading organization working to improve commercial motor vehicle safety and enforcement by providing guidance, education, and advocacy for enforcement and industry across North America, CVSA recognizes the exceptional careers of professional commercial motor vehicle drivers and their commitment to public safety through the International Driver Excellence Award.

This annual award recognizes individuals who go above and beyond the performance of their duties as commercial motor vehicle drivers, distinguishing themselves conspicuously and beyond the call of duty through the achievement of safe operation and compliance carried out with evident distinction for an extended period.

The nominated individual must be of personal character beyond reproach with no disqualifying past behavior, as indicated in the award criteria. According to a CVSA release, Lassiter is the embodiment of those criteria.