Alphonso Grennell with his FIA Award. He was recently recognised by the international motorsport body for his contribution to road safety in Jamaica and the region. (Photo: Naphtali Junior)

RENOWNED driving instructor Alphonso Grennell was recognised at the recently held FIA (Federation Internationale de l’Automobile) Americas Awards ceremony in Montevideo, Uruguay. He received his award in the Mobility category for his long-standing commitment to road safety in Jamaica. The Federation Internationale de l’Automobile is the international governing body for motorsports.

“The award is a culmination of several years of hard work in road safety, and it was a pleasure to be recognised by such a prestigious international body,” Grennell told the Jamaica Observer’s Auto magazine.

This was his second time receiving the award, having done so for 2013. He was nominated by the local representative of the FIA, the Jamaica Millennium Motoring Club (JMMC).

“We did so because of his outstanding work in road safety and we’re very pleased to have him take the award,” Stephen Gunter, chairman of JMMC, explained.

Grennell, well known for his driving school, has made an impact on the scene with his annual Road Safety Expo that regularly brings together stakeholders in the automotive sector. He has been a long-time advocate for legislative changes towards road safety and routinely holds workshops on the subject.

“Road safety is a never-ending issue. It’s beyond just the road deaths as many don’t understand the other effects, such as the number of injured who swamp our health care system,” he said.

Grennell continue to expound that the real cure for death on our roads is to start before drivers get their licences, with a consistent focus on educating them on the road code and in defensive driving methods.

http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/auto/grennell-hailed-for-efforts_145997