Dr. Richard Kaywood had a long and productive career, beginning with his work in safety education as an assistant professor of health and physical education at the University of California at Santa Barbara. In 1955, he became the multi-school chairman of driver education in the Anaheim Union High School District. In 1965, he became an associate professor of driver and traffic safety education at California State University at Long Beach. He went on to become a full professor and coordinator of safety and driver education. During his last three years, he also served as interim chairperson of the health science department.
Dr. Kaywood was a charter member of the California Driver Education Association, later renamed the California Association for Safety Education, and an early member of ADTSEA. In 1959, Dick became editor of the California association's publication called the CALDEA Calendar. In succeeding years, he developed it into a nationally recognized publication, and, in 1970, it became ADTSEA's official journal called the Journal of Traffic Safety Education.
Throughout his life, Dick was a tireless worker and strong advocate for quality driver and traffic safety education programs. Dick Kaywood's life exemplifies the spirit of the words inscribed on the Richard Kaywood Award medallion: Outstanding Contribution — Driver and Traffic Safety Education.
The selection from among nominees is made by the ADTSEA Executive Committee and is announced at the annual conference banquet..