CVSA Driver Excellence award goes to Greyhound motorcoach operator with 2.5 million safe miles

The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) named a Greyhound bus driver and driver instructor as the recipient of this year’s International Driver Excellence Award (IDEA).

On August 6, 2025, the CVSA named Greyhound motorcoach operator Crawford Lassiter as the 2025 IDEA winner.

IDEA recognizes commercial motor vehicle drivers who go “beyond the call of duty through the achievement of safe operation and compliance carried out with evident distinction for an extended period of time.”

Lassiter is an Army veteran with 45 years of experience as a professional driver. He has achieved more than 2.5 million safe miles in his driving career. Lassiter has worked for Greyhound for the past 45 years, both as a motorcoach driver and as an instructor.

When asked how he achieved the 2.5 million mile safety milestone, Lassiter offered the following driving tips:

“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.”

“Come in early so you’re not rushing. That really messes up the rest of your day, when you’re trying to catch up,” Lassiter advised.

“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.”

“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.