What:

Six Columbus Letter Carriers recognized for having individually driven more than a million, accident-free miles.

Who:

James Rurik of Hilliard, OH
Michael Smock of Grove City, OH
James Kaiser of Hilliard, OH
Linda Parker of  Columbus, OH  
Timothy Daum of Marysville, OH
Brian Hageman of Lewis Center, OH

When:

Friday, October 23, 2015 at 8:30 a.m.

Where:

West Worthington Carrier Unit, 6316 Nicholas Dr., Columbus, OH  43235.

Background:

Six Columbus Letter Carriers – James Rurik, Michael Smock, James Kaiser, Linda Parker, Timothy Daum and Brian Hageman – have individually driven more than 30 years for a million, accident-free miles. Passing this milestone earns them the unique distinction of joining the National Safety Council’s Million Mile Club. These carriers will be formally recognized at 8:30 a.m. on Friday, October 23, 2015, at the West Worthington Carrier Unit, 6316 Nicholas Dr., Columbus, OH 43235. Members of the media are invited to attend.

How did they do it?

• By driving defensively – expecting the unexpected.
• By maintaining a safe following-distance of one car length for every 10 mph.
• By being courteous to other drivers, using turn signals and obeying all traffic laws.
• By keeping their options open – having a “what to do if I’m cut off” strategy.
• By turning off mobile devices when driving – no cell phones or texting.

“Safe driving is no accident,” said Columbus Postmaster Ignatius Vaccaro. “The safety of our employees is our top priority, and we are proud of our safe drivers and of our comprehensive safe driver training program, which is second to none.”

According to the National Safety Council, since 2005 more than 9,400 Postal Service employees have achieved a distinction most people never approach in their lifetimes – driving more than a million accident-free miles. No other business comes close.

The nation’s 31,000 plus Post Offices are linked by over 211,000 vehicles – one of the largest civilian fleets in the world. More than 300,000 letter carriers and truck drivers log more than 1.2 billion miles annually when delivering to America’s 153.9 million addresses.

Safe Driving Habits Start With Good Training
Driving for the Postal Service is a privilege. All drivers must demonstrate safe driving practices throughout their careers. Behind-the-wheel job candidates undergo a rigorous screening, training and certification process to earn credentials to operate a right-hand drive postal vehicle.
Information on the National Safety Council’s Safe Driver Program is located at http://www.nsc.org/usps. National Security Council Customer Relations can be reached at 1-800-621-7691 and by email at uspsawards@nsc.org.