Research Triangle Park, N.C. - Demetrius Hyman, a senior bus operator with Triangle Transit Authority, received a Safety Award from the company in recognition of his five years of accident-free driving.

Hyman, a native of Windsor, North Carolina; lives in Raleigh. He has driven for TTA for five and one half years. Hyman said he was honored to receive the award, but he cannot take all the credit for his excellent driving record.

"You have to be blessed and very defensive," he said.

Defensive driving is the biggest tip that Hyman can offer other drivers. Currently, Hyman drives Route 412 through Durham and Chapel Hill in the morning and a shuttle through RTP in the afternoon. But in his time with TTA, Hyman has driven all routes that TTA serves.

"You have to be very defensive no matter which one (route) you are driving," he said.

Hyman said he has had many close encounters, but they have taught him to be more alert. He said he is always a little nervous wondering if the streak will come to an end.

I'm thinking this might be the day each day," he said. "The most important part to think about is to never become relaxed."

The North Carolina Public Transportation Association (NCPTA) also recognized Hyman for his excellent driving ability. He placed second in his division in the annual Bus Roadeo as part of the association's convention. The competition includes a driving slalom, written test, pre-trip inspection, wheelchair securement test, drug and alcohol training and several other classroom events.

"Demetrius is a natural," said Alan Placer, TTA dispatcher and Bus Roadeo team leader. "In four years of competing he has finished second twice and first once. We are very proud to have him on our team."

TTA is a regional public transportation provider, offering a wide variety of transit services to North Carolina's greater Triangle Region and outlying counties. In addition to its regional bus services and commuter resources, TTA plans to implement a 35-mile regional rail system with 16 stations connecting Durham, RTP, Cary and Raleigh, with shuttles linking RDU International Airport and RTP. The regional rail transit system is expected to be operational in late 2007 or early 2008. For more information, visit www.rideTTA.org or call (919)549-9999.