KENT, Ohio - In 1979, Bobby O’Shields drove a Davey Tree Expert Company semi out of a parking lot and set out on a long haul that has lasted more than one million accident-free miles. Throughout his 20-year career, O’Shields has driven all over North America, racking up mile after mile of safe drive time.
 Bobby O'Shields has logged more than one million accident-free miles driving a semi for Davey Tree Expert Company. |
"This is a monumental achievement," said Joe Tommasi, Davey safety manager. "The trucking industry as a whole recognizes people who have achieved what Bobby has. It is particularly interesting, because this achievement didn’t happen at a trucking company where driving is the focus of the business. It happened here at Davey.
"Bobby is an important part of what we do here. He has driven a variety of cargo over a variety of roads and conditions."
Fred Johnson, manager, operations support services, echoed the level of achievement referred to by Tommasi. "According to the American Trucking Association, only 100 drivers a year reach the one million mile mark. If you think of all the trucks you see on the road and then consider that only 100 of them are at the same level as Bobby - you really appreciate what an accomplishment this is," Johnson said.
| Just How Far Is One Million Miles? |
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A LENGTHY CAREER. O’Shields’ career with Davey began in 1978 when he was hired as a mechanic at the Kent shop. O’Shields, who grew up in Kent, joined Davey immediately after graduating from high school. He briefly left the company in 1979 and joined the trucking industry. Shortly after, he returned and assumed a position in the Davey fleet.
O’Shields has been to every Davey territory except Hawaii. While traveling to the territories, O’Shields said he has hauled a wide array of cargo, including a truck full of hay for the drought-riddled South and the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders in Kent State University’s homecoming parade.
"I enjoy what I do," O’Shields' said. "I suppose that’s why I’ve stayed so long. I’ve had the chance to meet many people and see most of North America. It’s been an eventful million miles."
O’Shields attributed his success to a great deal of luck and a strict adherence to Davey safety guidelines. He also acknowledges the support of his wife, Sharon, who shoulders family responsibilities while he is on the road.
"Preventing accidents starts before you get in the truck. It’s important to follow Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations about pre-trip inspections. The inspections pinpoint defects that could become problems down the road. When you’re driving, you’ve got to stay alert and pay attention to the road," O’Shields said. "That’s the best advice that I can give to a new driver who is just starting out - pay attention to DOT and pay attention to the road."
O’Shields’ attention to safety should be a company touchstone said Davey President Karl Warnke. "Bobby is our poster man for safety. He sets the standard for excellence and accident prevention," he said.
For more information about Davey visit www.davey.com.