VACAVILLE, CA — Some drivers can count themselves lucky for never getting in a major auto accident. For Vacaville Post Office rural carrier Lily Boykin and city carriers William Lane, Clarence Hawkins and Rachel Griner, safely maneuvering their delivery vehicles along the roads of Vacaville while on their appointed rounds is not a matter of luck; it’s a matter of staying focused and using defensive driving skills.
The four Vacaville carriers have driven enough miles to circle the globe 40 times, an equivalent of 1 million miles, spanning 30 or more years of service. Today, to recognize this achievement, they were inducted into the National Safety Council’s prestigious Million Mile Club at a ceremony held at the Vacaville Post Office, 200 Prairie Ct, Vacaville CA 95687.
“Our U.S. Postal Service drivers are among the safest in the world,” said Sacramento District Manager Barbara Plunkett. “This remarkable achievement by Rachel, William, Clarence and Lily shows our carriers continue to deliver on the promise of delivering their best every day with care, courtesy and concern for the safety of others.”
When the carriers were asked what they attributed their impressive driving records to, they shared a few safety tips: “Be aware of your environment all the time. Drivers are driving a lot faster than they used to,” said Boykin. Lane advised, “Pay attention every day, and keep your eyes on the road.” Griner emphasized the importance of being a defensive driver. “Watch out for the other guy,” she said.
Joining Plunkett and Vacaville Postmaster Karen Dragon in presenting the carriers a jacket, plaque and certificate from the National Safety Council and USPS Safe Driver Award Program were Sacramento District Safety Manager Samuel Lockett III, Post Office Operations Manager Jagdeep Grewal and National Association of Letter Carriers Branch 133 President Brian Bump.
The Million Mile Award is a lifetime enrollment, and it is given to drivers who have accumulated 1 million miles of driving without being involved in a preventable motor vehicle accident. According to the National Safety Council, it takes approximately 30 years of driving to accumulate 1 million miles.
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