New Penn professional driver Don Wagner recently achieved the remarkable feat of surpassing three-million consecutive miles without a single preventable accident.
Wagner is the only active New Penn driver to reach this elite milestone. To offer some perspective on Wagner’s accomplishment, driving three million miles is equivalent to driving across the United States, coast-to-coast, more than 1,000 times in a row or twelve consecutive round trips from the earth to the moon–without an accident. According to data from the U.S. Department of Transportation, it would take the average American driver over 220 years to log that many miles. And unlike Wagner, in that time, the average driver would be involved in over 13 accidents.
“We are extremely proud of the three-million-mile safe driving record Donnie has achieved,” says Howard Moshier, New Penn President. “His constant attention to safety combined with being a great team player helps set New Penn apart from other carriers. We thank him for his continuous commitment to safety.”
Wagner’s professional driving career has spanned 37-years. He has driven for New Penn 31 of those years with no sign of stopping. In fact, he looks forward to reaching an unprecedented four-million consecutive accident-free milestone. He currently operates as a linehaul driver out of the New Penn Reading, Pennsylvania service center driving about 2,500 miles per week. His three-million consecutive accident-free miles record represents only miles accumulated while driving for New Penn.
New Penn Reading, Pa. Terminal Manager Greg Gettle, acknowledges, “Donnie is the consummate professional driver. He is always well-prepared both mentally and physically to perform his job. He comes to work every day with a great attitude. He takes pride in doing a good job every day but is not boastful about his accomplishments. He is truly a dedicated professional–concerned for his safety and the well-being of the people he shares the road with.”
According to Wagner, the key to keeping safe behind the wheel is to: “Stay completely focused on your driving. Pay attention. Look ahead and keep your eyes moving.”
New Penn celebrated Don’s achievement with an award ceremony hosted by New Penn President Howard Moshier; Dan Schmidt, Vice President Labor and Tom Collingsworth, Vice President Human Resources and Safety who traveled to the Reading service center for the occasion on Wednesday, Nov. 8, 2017.
“Donnie has exemplified what it means to be a professional driver for his entire career with New Penn. We are all fortunate that he chose to spend his time with us. We are very proud of him,” stated Perry Moser, New Penn Vice President of Operations, Southern Division.
Wagner’s elite safety achievement was celebrated by his wife Debbie, family, friends, and co-workers. He was presented with an honorary plaque and an iPad Pro. When he’s not driving, he enjoys hunting.
