What Driver Respect Really Means: Perspectives from the Driver’s Seat and the Coach’s Chair
At Lytx®, we believe that every journey should end in a safe return, and that starts with respect. Respect for the road, for the people behind the wheel, and for the coaches who help them get home safely. We sat down with the Lytx 2025 Drivers and Coaches of the Year to hear what respect means to them. Their stories are powerful, their insights practical, and their passion undeniable.
From the Driver’s Seat: Respect Is Responsibility
For Freddy Thomas Sr., a million-mile driver since 1997, respect starts with mindset:
“My biggest philosophy is once I go through the gates at work, everything else is shut off. I have to focus on getting from point A to point B so I can get home to my family. That’s the number one priority every day; no incidents.”
Freddy’s philosophy is echoed by Julie Greene, a Massachusetts school bus driver of 26 years:
“I treat every child like they’re my own. I welcome them onto my bus and later, I wish them a good night. My end game is that they feel heard and understood.”
And for Jerry Fitzgerald, a pest control technician in Missouri, respect is about consistency:
“I’ve been in my route for almost 16 years. I want to be an example. I want to be the guy who gets everyone home safe.”
From the Coach’s Perspective: Respect Is Recognition
Coaches see the road from a different angle, but their respect for drivers runs just as deep.
Emily Wolford, who spent six years managing drivers before becoming a warehouse manager, built a culture of recognition:
“If you don’t give recognition, then it’s not important. If you make it a big deal, they’re going to treat it the same way.”
Melissa Noe agrees. As a data safety analyst, she uses Lytx tools to identify not just risks but excellence:
“We do specialty calls for drivers who are doing really well. It creates a really good atmosphere for everyone in the group.”
And Parminder Choumwer, an on-road supervisor at UPS, puts it simply:
“People love to be cherished. They love when we pinpoint the positive instead of being really constructive all the time.”
Respect Is Listening and Learning
Respect isn’t just about praise. It’s about listening, learning, and growing together.
“We’re not the bad guys,” said Melissa Noe. “We’re not just trying to pick on their driving. We’re here to help them and get them home safe.”
“You need to have that communication to be able to get to somebody who can help you figure things out and put things into perspective,” said Julie Greene. “To have that relationship where I feel heard and safe and respected, I couldn’t ask for more.”
“It starts with having a conversation with them, getting to know your people, and being respectful of their needs,” added Emily Wolford. “You have to build those relationships to even try to gain that trust.”
Respect is Safety for Everyone
Every driver we spoke to emphasized the same thing: respect is about protecting lives.
“Safety factors into my day to day,” said Jerry Fitzgerald. “You have to keep your guard up. There are so many distractions and people around all the time.”
“Everybody is always in a rush,” said Freddy Thomas Sr. “So, I prefer to start early so I can always pace myself. You have to respect life and what you can and cannot do.”
“Safety is doing the right thing.” said Julie Greene.
Respect is Coaching with Heart
Coaching isn’t just about correcting behavior. It’s about building people up.
“I love coaching,” said Parminder Choumwer. “If I can help you get better, best believe I’m going to do that.”
“If they can see it, watch the event, and see exactly what happened and what went wrong, then they’re able to appreciate the coaching and the training a little bit more because they recognize it.” said Melissa Noe.
“At the end of the day, I want my team to be safe,” said Emily Wolford. “You have to be respectful, otherwise you’re not going to get anywhere with your team at all.”
Respect is Culture and Community
Respect isn’t a one-time gesture. It’s a culture that’s built every day.
“We’re a team,” said Freddy Thomas Sr. “We're doing a public service. You just need to care. I want to help the next man.”
“My purpose is to do the best job I’m capable of doing and to show up for my community and coworkers,” said Julie Greene. “And for my company, I want to deliver a service of integrity and safety.”
“If I can show others I care through my driving, that might impact somebody else.” said Jerry Fitzgerald.
Tips from the Best: How to Show Respect on the Road
Whether you’re a driver, a coach, or a fleet manager, here are some takeaways from our honorees:
- Start with empathy. “People matter. Getting them home matters,” says Melissa Noe.
- Recognize the good. Use tools like Lytx’s recognition dashboard to celebrate safe driving.
- Think for others. Freddy Thomas Sr. puts it best: “You’ve got to think for the people around you.”
- Build relationships. Parminder Choumwer asks his drivers about their dogs, their golf games, their “why.” That connection builds trust, and trust builds safety.
Why it Matters
Respect isn’t just a value. It’s a safety strategy. When drivers feel seen, supported, and valued, they drive better. When coaches lead with empathy and recognition, they build safer teams. And when companies like Lytx invest in tools that empower both, everyone wins.
Interested in learning more? Contact us or book a demo today.