Meet Tom Camp.
He’s probably a better driver than you.
Unless your name is Mario Andretti, there’s not much discussion to be had.
The UPS driver has achieved something no other UPS driver ever has — 51 years behind the wheel without an accident.
Camp, who began his career with UPS in 1962 delivering in suburban Detroit, credits his training and a healthy dose of caution for his remarkable record.
“You need to assume other drivers are not as aware as you are,” said Camp. “If you assume the other guy is daydreaming, that’s a good first step.”
The U.S. Marine Corps veteran also credits a little bit of luck.
“Traffic has doubled since I started with (UPS),” says Camp. “I can’t count how many times I’ve seen folks do crazy things behind the wheel – reading the paper or doing their make-up. Cell phones are a part of it, too, but it’s more than just that.”
“Tom Camp’s 50-plus years of safe driving at UPS is an astonishing feat, and a testament to the impact of driver education programs,” says Bill Graves, President and CEO of American Trucking Associations.
John McDevitt, UPS senior vice president of human resources and labor relations, agreed, calling Camp “an inspiration to all UPSers.”
In recognition of his achievement, Camp was honored by the company and his local co-workers in a ceremony in Livonia, Mich.
UPS says it spends $118 million annually on safety training, and currently has 6,486 drivers who have 25 years or more without an accident. Drivers reaching that mark are inducted into the company’s “Circle of Honor.”
The company’s previous safe driving leader, Ron Sowder of Dayton, Ohio, had 50 accident-free years upon his retirement in 2012. Sowder and Camp are the only two drivers who’ve earned the distinction of wearing the number “50” on their Circle of Honor uniform patch and having their truck specially marked.
And if you’re one of the drivers in line to catch Camp’s 51 years accident free years behind the wheel, you may have to wait a while. The 73 year old says retirement isn’t in the cards any time soon.
“I enjoy my job and my customers,” he says. “As long as I can do it well, I’ll keep going.”
