Accident-Free -- Southington Truck Driver Logs 2 Million Miles

A Southington-based truck driver has been recognized for his long and safe driving career.

New Penn professional driver Gregory ‘Greg’ Hawksley has reached the notable safety milestone of 2 million consecutive miles driven without a single preventable collision. Hawksley is one of seven active New Penn drivers to have achieved a more than 2 million mile safety record.

In recognition of his accomplishment, Hawksley was presented with a commemorative 2-million-miler plaque, and a personalized 2-million-miler leather jacket at his home terminal in Southington.

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Hawksley began his career as a professional driver with New Penn more than 33 years ago. He has spent his career operating as an linehaul driver out of the New Penn Southington terminal. The Terryville resident averages approximately 500 miles per night and drives five nights per week servicing a variety of routes throughout the region.

According to New Penn, driving 2 million miles is the equivalent to traveling to the moon and back eight times. The average person would take nearly 150 years to log that many miles.

“Not only has Greg already surpassed that mark, but he has done it without a single preventable collision,” the company said in a statement.

“There is nothing more important to our business than safety,” said Don Foust, president of New Penn. “Safe drivers like Greg provide our customers with the fast, reliable, on-time service they expect. Our drivers are the guardians of our customers’ cargo, and with professionals like Greg at the wheel, our customers can be assured their goods are safe. Most importantly, however, drivers like Greg make our highways safe, for us and our family members.”

And how does Hawksley continue to his accident-free record?

“Always remain aware and alert to stay safe on the road,” Hawksley said. “Never let down your guard and think, ‘It can’t happen to me.’ Constantly pay attention to your surroundings, and don’t take it for granted that other drivers see you. One thing that has helped me reach this safety record is that I have been able to learn from my mistakes as well as the mistakes of others.”

Hawksley already is well on his way to reaching the 3-million mile milestone.

Contributed photo: Gregory Hawksley.