ARCADIA, CA — The Arcadia Post Office recently hosted a ceremony honoring six Letter Carriers who earned the prestigious National Safety Council Million Mile Award.

The Million Mile Award is a lifetime enrollment, awarded to letter carriers, rural carriers and truck drivers, who have a safe attitude that entails driving for one million miles or 30 years without a preventable incident. They receive a plaque which bears the Million Mile Club emblem, the NSC logo and an engraved personalized nameplate.

Post Office Letter carriers honored for safe driving in Arcadia include Lana Toy (31 Years), Jack Ong (38 Years), Edwin Jue (41 Years), Jacob Tuong (31 Years), Hang Thanh (40 Years), Dale Vandenburgh (38 Years).

The secret to staying accident-free starts with having the right mindset, “As a letter carrier safe driving means eliminating distractions, driving defensively and watching out for pedestrians. You should always check your mirrors before you drive and make safety a habit,” said Toy.

Ong amplified that sentiment by adding that drivers should always take their time and use courtesy while driving.

“One ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. I will always put on my seat belt every time I am in the driver’s seat,” said Tuong.

Above all demonstrating consideration for others is paramount to these elite drivers. Thanh and Jue emphasize their mindset are always focused on their surroundings. “I pay close attention to other drivers and pedestrians and maintain the speed limit. It’s important to me that when I drive my customers can feel that their carrier is driving safely and their mail will be delivered smoothly,” said Thanh.

Driving a million miles safely is commendable.

To add perspective, the moon is 238,900 miles from planet earth. Driving one million miles is the equivalent of doing that journey more than four times, all without a moving violation or accident, while maneuvering hazardous road conditions, gridlock, rural terrain, and avoiding careless drivers along the way.

“I am immensely proud of this accomplishment made by our drivers,” said Arcadia Postmaster Armando Carillo, “this achievement speaks volumes of the dedication of our drivers and demonstrates how postal employees commit to the promise to deliver their best every day with care, courtesy and concern for the safety of others.”

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 rigorous screening, training, and certification process to earn credentials to operate a right-hand drive postal vehicle.

Think you have what it takes to join this elite team? Head online to usps.com/careers and apply to a position today.

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