For some, 1999 would be most memorable as the year when the Yankees won the World Series for the 25th time, when gas was $1.22 a gallon or when the world panicked over the Y2K bug.
<p>For Bill Scull, a <a href="https://www.penskelogistics.com/">Penske Logistics</a> driver, that year and the 17 since have been memorable for what <em>didn’t</em> happen. In all that time, Scull has remained accident-free.</p><p>Scull and 11 other drivers in Bridgeport, New Jersey, were recognized recently by Marc Althen, president of Penske Logistics; Dennis Abruzzi, senior vice president of enterprise solutions; Jeff Jackson, senior vice president of the Eastern Region; Jason Herr, director of safety; and Peter Bayer, area vice president of the Eastern Region, for their outstanding safety records.</p><p>“These 12 highly successful associates come to work with the correct mindset each day. They are patient, alert and self-aware,” Herr said. “They consistently make use of all the methods of incident prevention that are available – defensive driving, personal protective equipment, safety cones, get proper rest and stay in solid physical shape.”</p><p>All the drivers deliver for a leading regional convenience store chain, delivering fresh food products 365 days a year. About 130 drivers operate from the Bridgeport location, delivering to area destinations in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia and the Washington, D.C. suburbs.</p><p>In all, 12 associates were recognized for 10 or more years of consecutive incident-free driving. Four associates were recognized for having 17 years or more of incident-free driving.</p><p>The drivers recognized included: David Evans, 18 years; David Wojciechowski, 18 years; David Hoffer, 17 years; Richard Scull, 17 years; Don Kubiak, 15 years; Barry Scott, 15 years; Glen Owens, 14 years; Greg McCann, 13 years; Don Nelson, 13 years; Robert Barracliffe, 12 years; Shawn Elisano, 12 years; and Tom Spence, 11 years.</p><p>Scull transitioned to a trucking career from sales. He was between jobs and never really considered a career in trucking until his friend – also a Penske driver – encouraged him to apply. “I’ve been there ever since,” Scull said.</p><p>When he looks back over his 17 years of being accident-free, he credits two things: his father’s sense of responsibility and accountability that was passed on to him and Penske’s emphasis on safety.</p><p>“That foundation allows me to be a little bit safer in the work environment. I care about my co-workers. I care about my life and getting home to see my family,” Scull said. “If I care about me in a responsible manner, it gets me home safe at the end of the day.”</p><p>A big part of Penske’s safety initiative is encouraging drives to participate in the <a href="https://www.drivedifferent.com/">Smith System</a> training course. Smith System is a leading provider of collision avoidance driving training.</p><p>“With Penske’s emphasis on safety, and the team meetings they provide, videos and periodic Smith System training and recertification, I think they help to refocus and re-center your thought process. It all plays a role with keeping you safe out there,” Scull said.</p><p>Herr applauded the outstanding safety achievement of the drivers.</p><p>“These drivers are actively engaged in safe, professional, efficient and on-time performance for our customer. Not just when it is convenient; but all the time,” Herr said. “Working hours when most of us are sleeping, delivering all days of the week, in a congested part of the country, and doing so incident-free for this period of time is remarkable performance that is truly matched by few.”</p><p><em>By Bernie Mixon</em></p></div>
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