SONORA, CA – For most drivers, they can only count themselves lucky for not getting in a major auto accident. For James Bankosh, 63, maneuvering through the Sonora city and rural roads while on his appointed rounds, it’s more than luck; it’s a matter of being aware of your surroundings.
Bankosh is very familiar with his Sonora surroundings. He has been delivering mail from the Sonora Post Office since 1983, and two years prior to that in Manteca. In all, he has driven postal roads for 33 years. In that time, he has driven more than 1 million miles, safely and without an accident, on his postal route, enough to circle the globe 40 times. For his achievement, Bankosh will be inducted into the prestigious ‘Million Mile Club,’ on Wednesday, March 12, 08:00 a.m., at the Sonora Post Office, 781 S Washington, Sonora CA 95370.
“Driving safely is its own reward,” said Bankosh. “You can look back and know that you never caused yourself or anybody else any harm because of carelessness while driving a postal vehicle.” Bankosh tells his fellow workers that it takes constant awareness of your surroundings, and the ability to tune out your daily problems, personal or work related.
“Our postal drivers are among the safest in the world,” said Sacramento District Manager Barbara Plunkett. “The remarkable achievement by James Bankosh just shows how our carriers continue to deliver on the promise of delivering their best every day with care, courtesy and the concern for the safety of others.”
Bankosh will be presented with a jacket, a plaque and certificate from the Safety Council and automatic membership in the prestigious National Safety Council “Million Mile Club.” 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 to accumulate 1 million miles.###
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