PATTERSON, CA — Patterson Rural Letter Carrier Luis Velasco has joined an elite group of Postal Service employees who have individually driven more than a million, accident-free miles. He will be recognized at an 9:00 a.m. ceremony, Friday, August 9, 2024, at Patterson Post Office, 50 N. Salado Avenue, Patterson, CA 95363.

How did Luis Velasco achieve such a feat?

• By driving defensively — expecting the unexpected.
• By maintaining a safe distance of one car length for every 10 mph between them and the car in front of them.
• By being courteous, using turn signals and obeying all laws.
• By keeping their options open — have a “what to do if I’m cut off” strategy.
• By not driving distracted, turning off mobile devices when driving — no cell phones or texting.

“Safe driving is no accident,” said Patterson Postmaster Brian Frunz. “It is an honor to recognize these dedicated employees for the safe way in which they care not only for the sanctity of the mail, but in the way they drive.”

The National Safety Council’s Million Mile Club is an honor reserved for employees driving one million miles – or 30 years – without an at-fault accident.

Postal Service drivers are among the safest in the world. The achievement of driving, in this case one million miles, for a total of 30 years, all accident-free is truly remarkable.

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