Ontario Safety League leader DiCicco focuses on technology for compliance

In an era where technology shapes the way we interact with every aspect of life, the realm of driver safety and training is no exception. Angelo DiCicco, the newly appointed president and CEO of the Ontario Safety League (OSL), is on a mission to revolutionize the compliance landscape for drivers and driving schools. His vision? To make compliance with regulations not only simpler but also more cost-effective than the alternative.

With over 35 years of experience in the driving industry, DiCicco is primed to implement innovative solutions that will enhance road safety and streamline training processes. His approach focuses on leveraging technology to create driver programs that are accessible and efficient, ensuring that both instructors and learners can navigate the compliance requirements with ease.

Understanding the Compliance Landscape

In his new role, DiCicco emphasizes the importance of simplifying the compliance process for drivers and driving schools. The goal is clear: compliance should be less burdensome than non-compliance. He states, “The amount of time, effort, and money for compliance needs to be streamlined. I’m here to help streamline the paperwork.”

This perspective reflects a growing recognition within the industry that unnecessary complexities can lead to non-compliance and, ultimately, jeopardize road safety. By focusing on technology-driven solutions, DiCicco aims to reshape how compliance is viewed, making it a more manageable aspect of driving education.

DiCicco's Journey in the Driving Industry

DiCicco's extensive career began in 1987 as a driving instructor with Young Drivers of Canada in Guelph, Ontario. His early experiences included:

• Developing a commercial training program for engineers from Japan.
• Driving a school bus, which gave him hands-on experience with various driving contexts.
• Purchasing a Young Drivers of Canada franchise, where he created programs for corporate fleets and mining companies.

His career trajectory saw him rise to general manager of Young Drivers of Canada in Toronto, where he played a key role in franchise management and training program development, culminating in his eventual appointment as director of the advanced driving center.

Navigating audits and enhancing training

As OSL's new leader, DiCicco's immediate focus is on successfully navigating a series of audits that are crucial for the organization's credibility and operations. These audits include:

• A recent financial audit by the Canada Revenue Agency.
• An assessment of the school bus driver improvement course.
• The near-completion of the driver certification program audit.

In 2023, OSL issued approximately 22,000 air brake endorsements, a figure slightly lower than the previous year. DiCicco is keen on reducing the administrative burden on air brake instructors and the organization, allowing for a more efficient process that prioritizes road safety.

Strengthening relationships with driving schools

One of DiCicco's key initiatives is to redefine OSL's relationship with driving schools. He acknowledges the need for clarity and collaboration, stating, “Our relationship with the schools needs to be clarified. We have an arm’s length relationship.” This sentiment underscores the importance of establishing a supportive framework that benefits both OSL and driving schools.

To enhance this relationship, DiCicco plans to introduce a digital identification system that assures insurance companies and fleets that drivers have completed training courses at OSL. This initiative aims to foster trust and transparency within the driving community.

Innovating with technology

In line with his vision, DiCicco is exploring the implementation of a digital portal that tracks drivers throughout their careers. This platform would serve several critical functions:

• Providing real-time information on license status and CVOR records.
• Facilitating communication between drivers, schools, and regulatory bodies.
• Streamlining compliance checks for insurance companies and fleets.

By leading a coalition of industry stakeholders—including insurance companies, driving schools, and municipalities—DiCicco aims to create a unified approach to driver training and compliance. This coalition would ensure that all parties have access to the necessary information, enhancing overall safety on the roads.

The impact of COVID-19 on driver training

Arriving at OSL in 2020 as a special project manager during the pandemic, DiCicco played a crucial role in maintaining operations amidst widespread shutdowns. His efforts ensured that in-class training continued, allowing drivers to meet their certification needs despite the challenges posed by COVID-19.

As the pandemic reshaped many industries, DiCicco's proactive measures in adapting to these changes have positioned OSL for success in a post-pandemic landscape. His leadership style reflects a commitment to resilience and innovation, which will be vital in addressing the evolving demands of driver training and safety.

Looking Ahead: The Future of OSL

As OSL moves forward under DiCicco's leadership, the organization is poised to embrace a wave of technological advancements aimed at improving compliance and safety in the driving industry. With a clear focus on collaboration, innovation, and enhanced training programs, DiCicco’s vision could lead to a significant transformation in how drivers are trained and certified in Ontario.

For those interested in exploring the complexities of driver safety and training, the journey of Angelo DiCicco at OSL serves as an intriguing case study. His focus on technology and compliance may very well set a precedent for how the driving community evolves in the coming years.

For a deeper understanding of the challenges faced within the driving industry, check out this insightful video on the case of Tiffani Moss, which highlights the importance of driver training and safety:

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