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Stand out differences between a security driver and a chauffeur
If you’re in the security industry, you’ll already know how the value added by a trained security driver goes way beyond the service offered by an ordinary chauffeur. In that case, jump straight to our Why us? page to understand what makes Secure Ground Transportation different.
If you’re not in the security industry, you might think that transporting VIPs can safely be done by booking a standard chauffeur. Not so. This article explains more…
"I have used Secure Ground Transportation for at least 20 years. They are without fail efficient, punctual, courteous and professional."
Lady Susie Sainsbury
Wealthy individuals and successful businesses can be targeted by thieves, kidnappers and worse. One of the main times these risks can arise is when UHNWIs are travelling.
Extensive research by Tom Taylor and Jeff Marquart – highly respected security professionals – found that 64% of incidents between 1960 and 2007 involving public figures occurred when the intended target was in or around the vehicle. Further analysis found that 43% of attacks happened when the intended target was seated or riding in a vehicle as opposed to moving on foot. Source: Just 2 seconds by Gavin De Becker, published in 2018.
A standard chauffeur should know how to smoothly manoeuvre a luxury limousine, but they don’t have the additional skills held by a properly trained security driver when it comes to evasive manoeuvres, anti-ambush techniques, skid control, and even vehicle maintenance.
A trained security driver complements the security team – a chauffeur doesn’t have that responsibility.
We proactively identify potential threats and plan routes to avoid them. For example, here are some of the tasks we undertake…
In advance, your security driver will visit all locations, preferably with the security team, to carry out surveillance of the area and the route. For example, we need to know the precise door where we should pick up and drop off the client at each building, and where to park the vehicle.
We’ll drive multiple routes from point A to point B to find out what roadworks are in place or are planned on the day they will be travelling. This means we’ll know what pinch points there may be along the way, as well as what the volume of traffic is likely to be. We also monitor social media and other sources to find out if there are likely to be any other disturbances that affect the journey.
On the day, a chauffeur might open doors and help with luggage. On the other hand, a security driver focuses on driving. When the principal is getting in or out of the vehicle and luggage is being tended to, the security driver remains in the vehicle with the engine running, just in case.
Yes, a security driver acts as a chauffeur, in the sense that they are familiar with the vehicle and know how to handle it for a comfortable ride.
However, our security drivers are also skilled in anti-hijack techniques and evasive driving.
Not only that, but SGT drivers are also trained in emergency first response skills in case of a medical emergency en route. We carry medical kits that can treat everything from a corrosive attack to a sprained limb, as well as defibrillators.
We work alongside the security team to provide a safe journey. We can also provide close protection (CP) officers (bodyguards) and other security services, through our sister company, SGT Risk Management.
We start by working with the security team to conduct a threat assessment. If this analysis finds that it’s important to blend in, we’ll recommend the most discreet vehicle for the job. This may be anything from a local taxi to a luxury limo. If necessary and legal, vehicles can be armoured and the security drivers can be armed.
In the UK, we use our own fleet of specially adapted cars, with enhanced power, torque and overall performance.
Too many ordinary chauffeurs claim to be security drivers – but they are not all trained to the high level required for a truly safe journey.
We have:
A security driver is commonly booked either by the security team, or direct by wealthy families themselves.
We protect our clients anywhere they may travel in the world, by arranging private aviation, security drivers and secure vehicles. For more information, please see our Services page or give Neil and Gary a call on +44 (0)20 7871 3117.
