MIDDLETOWN — Six Middletown letter carriers have been recognized for being among thousands of Postal Service employees who drove more than a million, accident-free miles each.
Hudson Carhart, Wayne Morris, James Maida, Raymond Neefus, Joseph Patti and Frank Salvetti were recognized at a Dec. 7 ceremony at the Middletown Post Office, which is located at 1601 Route 35.
Since 2005, more than 9,500 Postal Service employees have achieved status as “Million Mile Drivers.”
Over 300,000 letter carriers and truck drivers log more than 1.2 billion miles annually when delivering to 155 million American addresses. This makes up the world’s largest civilian fleet.
South Jersey District Manager Sharon Young understands the importance of training for the letter carrier position.
“Safe driving is no accident,” she said. “The safety of our employees is our top priority, and we are proud that our comprehensive safe drive training program is second to none.”
Driving is a privilege in the U.S. Postal Service. All candidates for the job must undergo a screening, training and certification process. They must be evaluated through a medical exam, extensive interview, four-hour defensive driving training, one-hour defensive driving debrief, mock course and behind-the-wheel training. They are ultimately evaluated on their performances on the road.
How did each of these letter carriers achieve more than a million, accident-free miles?
Driving defensively, expecting the unexpected, maintaining a safe distance, being courteous, using turn signals, obeying all laws and turning off mobile devices when driving are some of the many ways “Million Mile Drivers” have been successful.
For more information on the Safety Council’s Safe Driver Program, visit www.nsc.org/usps or call 1-800-621-7619.