WASHINGTON -- David Strickland has taken over as administrator of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Strickland, 41, was senior Democratic counsel to the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation and its subcommittee on Consumer Protection, Product Safety and Insurance when he was nominated to head the NHTSA. He had worked for the committees since 2001.

Strickland faces a number of very tough issues, including the massive Toyota auto recall and questions about NHTSAs handling of that issue. He also will oversee development of the seatbelt rule for motorcoaches.

ORLANDO -- iTransit Inc. has announced the appointment of Rob Lambert as vice president of sales.

"We are thrilled Rob is a part of the iTransit team," said Mike Pouncey, president/CEO. "Rob is an expert in the field of new and pre-owned motorcoach sales and is an integral part of our companys growth and expansion."

Lambert has been in motorcoach sales for more than 10 years. He was a regional sales manager for ABC Bus Companies Inc., and most recently a regional sales manager for Daimler Buses North America/Setra.

In his new position, Lambert will be responsible for the growth and expansion of both pre-owned sales, as well as iTransits new bus sales division.

Lambert is a member of the boards of the Virginia and North Carolina motorcoach associations.

CARLSBAD, Calif. -- Angela Sutherland was honored by Lancer Insurance Co. as Driver of the Year at the California Bus Association Annual Convention. Sutherland has driven coaches for 15 years for H & L Charter Co. in Rancho Cucamonga. As a petite woman she used to break the ice with new groups by saying, "Yes, I can see over the steering wheel."

Candidates for the driver award must have exemplary safety records. They are scored in several categories, including accidents, driving record, equipment models driven, and contributions to the industry.

Lancer sponsors the award, including an individual trophy and a $500 check.

LARGO, Fla. Escot Bus Lines has recognized four drivers for being accident free for the past five years and honored one of the four for 20 years of service to the company.

Escot CEO Brian Scott noted that Escot Lines has been in business for nearly 27 years and driver Tom Tallakeen has been with the company for 20 of them. "In that time he has driven well over one million miles with no significant accidents or incidents, and has been a very valuable part of the Escot team," said Scott.

The three other drivers recognized for their five years of accident-free driving were Donald Kownack, Sam Simeona and Charles Skaggs.

All four drivers were honored at the companys first safety meeting of 2010.