WITH a little luck and some ingenuity, many disappointments can be transformed into business opportunities.

Alphonso Grennell changed what some may have considered a set back, into a dream come true when he opened his driving school after being made redundant by then, Cable & Wireless Jamaica.

Certified in automotive technology and having benefitted from extensive defensive driving training, while at his former job, he transformed his passion for instructing into his now 14-year-old business.

“I had a vision of educating drivers about road safety,” he told the Jamaica Observer, adding that his vision is encapsulated in his company’s purpose statement.

The guiding mantra — “making our roads safer, one person at a time whether you walk, ride or drive” — has been instilled in hundreds of drivers that have passed through Grennell’s driving school as well as drivers whose companies have used Grennell’s services to train them.

Having taught at least two generations of drivers, the defensive driving instructor advised that drivers recognise that driving is more than just a skill, “it is a way of life”.

“When you lend your child your car keys, you should haven’t to go down on your knees and pray for their safe return,” says Grennell. “Drivers need to remember that vehicles can be very dangerous weapons so they must learn all they can on how to operate them safely.”

Many drivers will agree that it is quite easy to become distracted while operating a vehicle.

Whether by the passengers or visual distractions along the way, the attention can be shifted in the second that it is most needed to prevent a collision.

For this reason, the instructor seeks to instill defensive driving techniques in his staff and students.

The collaborative effort between Grennell’s driving school and the United States-based National Safety Council, has seen some 500 drivers certified in 2012.

With a range of course offerings, the academy has undertaken driver assessment for companies such as the Caribbean Cement Company, Jamaica Energy Partners, as well as companies in the bauxite and mining sector.

Stemming from his affinity for safety in the workplace and his desire to ingrain the concept that safety leads to greater productivity, Grennell has piloted emergency vehicle and fork-lift operation courses and policies that he delivers to several companies annually.

“This is something that extends to families, companies and the nation,” he said, adding that he travels to various locations islandwide to certify those who cannot make it to his Mona Road-based headquarters. “A fleet of vehicles forms part of a company’s assets, so ensuring that the individuals charged to operate them is paramount to sustaining the companies investments.”

There are persons who have frequent accidents or who are not aware of how to properly use aspects of the vehicle, for example, the four-wheel drive, Grennell explained, adding that these infractions could cost companies millions of dollar to replace damaged vehicles.

“I have instructed drivers for a particular company who would descend from the hilly terrain after servicing cell sites and continue to drive off the flat while still using the four-wheel technology of the vehicle.”

Learning about the vehicle itself is also important for safe manoeuvring, the driving instructor said recounting anecdotal experiences of company drivers who could not safely check battery terminals or fan belts.

Though the company now emphasises this to a lesser extent in its courses, Grennell advised that failure to learn such basic tips could place one at risk.

Individuals who are desirous of obtaining a driving job with a company also form part of the cohort instructed by the six-man academy.

In his estimation, being registered with the Independent Schools Association under the Ministry of Education affords his company the privilege of being “the go-to for driver assessment”.

So recognised is Grennell’s track record that leading insurer Insurance Company of the West Indies (ICWI) has partnered to offer motor vehicle insurance discounts to drivers who have successfully completed his defensive driving course.

“The partnership is a ‘win-win’ for all involved, company, client, and the general public, ICWI said highlighting the potential benefit of reduced traffic crashes and safer driving practices.

Young drivers, new drivers and repeat traffic offenders who have undergone training with Grennell, will also be offered discounts through the partnership.

A 10 per cent discount has been offered to the targeted drivers since December last year when the agreement was signed between the two companies.

With plans to expand into Portmore, St Catherine, Grenell prides himself in the fact that having set such a standard in the industry, advertising is no longer necessary as referrals “keep the clients coming”.

— Tameka Gordon