AMTA Instructor Spotlight: Robert Destree

Robert started teaching defensive driving in June 1990, having worked with both novice and experienced drivers. He created driver training programs for two large oil and gas service companies before joining the AMTA as Senior Instructor, Driver Development, helping to create course content. Robert also teaches drivers the AMTA Professional Driver Improvement Course and a variety of lessons on the driving simulator. He also trains instructors for both PDIC and the simulator.

What inspires you to teach safety education to the transportation industry?

I love teaching people to better understand their driving environment and take steps to reduce or eliminate risk. The most rewarding thing for me is to receive feedback that someone prevented a crash because of knowledge or skill they learned during training.

Anything else you would like to share?

“Be prepared.” – Boy Scout motto. Applies to so many aspects of life. Also, “If you’re not going to find time to do it right the first time, when are you going to find time to do it a second time?” – My father.

I’m the father of four girls and have three grandkids: two boys and a girl.