What did it take for LifeGas' Hurt to be the Lytx National Driver of the Year?

- Drive 55,000 miles without a risky event

- Have impeccable driving maneuvers

- Beat out a pool of 50,000 other drivers across the U.S.

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Apr 03, 2014, 06:00 ET

MURRAY HILL and NEW PROVIDENCE, N.J., April 3, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Benjamin "Troy" Hurt, a Nashville, Tennessee, medical route driver for LifeGas, the medical gases business of Linde North America, was named national driver of the year by Lytx.

Each year, Lytx, formerly DriveCam, honors drivers who have the fewest number of risky events that might indicate a need for coaching. Risky events include following too close, speeding, rolling through stop signs and other behaviors that increase risk. If a questionable event is detected by the sensors in trucks equipped with Lytx technology, it is automatically recorded and forwarded to Lytx for review and then forwarded to supervisors for coaching if required. In his 55,000 miles of driving in 2013, Hurt didn't trigger a single coachable event – an unusual and noteworthy achievement.

"There was nothing we considered risky or dangerous -- nothing requiring coaching," said Del Lisk, vice president of Safety Services at Lytx. "We also measure smoothness of driving and Hurt's driving maneuvers were really good – he was really high in that category."

To be named the Lytx Driver of the Year, Hurt topped 82 others submitted by companies across the U.S. -- from a pool of more than 50,000 drivers whose vehicles carry the Lytx system. For his Lytx honor, Hurt received $1,000 and a plaque during an awards ceremony in San Diego, California at the Lytx headquarters.

"This is no surprise," said Lisk. "Linde is one of the early adopters of our system. I've always known Linde to be exceptional in terms of its commitment to safety."

Jacob Kendez, distribution supervisor, who recommended Hurt for the award, said, "Troy always conducts complete pre/post trip inspections resulting in zero Department of Transportation maintenance violations. He also ensures all PPE are carried and used as required. He strictly abides by our cone, seatbelt, cell phone and speeding policies, setting an example for fellow drivers. And when dealing with customers he represents Linde in a profession and friendly manner."

"It's simple," said Hurt. "I practice driving safely and Linde provides the tools for me to do that. At the end of the day all of us want to get home to be with our families. I would love to see Lytx go in more trucks to make it safe for everyone. Even when I get in my private vehicle, I practice the same safety habits as when I'm in my truck."

About The Linde Group
In the 2013 financial year, The Linde Group generated revenue of EUR 16.655 bn (USD 23.1 bn), making it the largest gases and engineering company in the world with approximately 63,500 employees working in more than 100 countries worldwide. The strategy of The Linde Group is geared towards long-term profitable growth and focuses on the expansion of its international business with forward-looking products and services. Linde acts responsibly towards its shareholders, business partners, employees, society and the environment – in every one of its business areas, regions and locations across the globe. The company is committed to technologies and products that unite the goals of customer value and sustainable development.

For more information, see The Linde Group online at www.linde.com

About Lytx
At Lytx (formerly DriveCam, Inc.), we harness the power of data to change human behavior and help good companies become even better. Our flagship product, DriveCam powered by Lytx^™, is a leading solution for driver safety in the industries we serve, and our RAIR^™ Compliance Services helps DOT-regulated fleets comply with safety regulations, complementing the DriveCam program. Our solutions protect drivers from more than 950 commercial and government fleet clients worldwide who drive billions of miles annually. Our clients realize significant ROI by lowering operating and insurance costs, while achieving greater efficiency and compliance. Most of all, we strive to help save lives – on our roads and in our communities, every day. Lytx is privately held and headquartered in San Diego. For more information, visit www.lytx.com.

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SOURCE Linde North America