Georgia trucker honored for five million accident-free miles

Today YRC Freight announced that they will be recognizing one of their drivers for achieving an incredible safety milestone.

Chickamauga, Georgia, based trucker Bobby Elrod has driven five million miles without a single crash during his 45 year career, according to YRC Freight. Terry Budimlija, YRC Freight Safety Director, puts the massive milestone into perspective: “Five million miles is like driving to the moon and back over ten times or driving around the equator 200 times–all without a single accident. I tip my safety hat to him, and I send my heartfelt thanks to his family for sharing Bobby with us.”

Trucker To Be Honored In Ceremony At Chattanooga Terminal

Elrod’s five million mile milestone will be recognized in a ceremony at YRC’s Chattanooga terminal on March 6. In addition to presenting Elrod with a plaque, a watch, a commemorative jacket, and a a new trailer wrapped in his honor, YRC also plans to celebrate the occasion by donating 50 child car seats to the Tennessee Highway Patrol — one car seat for every 100,000 safe miles driven by Elrod.

Elrod remarked on his impressive safety achievement: “I’ve driven out of Nashville, Knoxville and Chattanooga at different times for the company. I was proud to be the first Smith System instructor in Nashville and train our drivers. I always put safety first. I came from a family of truck drivers–my dad, two uncles, a brother, and a brother-in-law–they were all truck drivers. It’s in my blood. I was only nine or ten when my dad passed away. Not that long ago, I went out to the cemetery. I told my dad, ‘I’ve reached five million miles without an accident, Dad. Can you imagine?’ It was a good moment. I’ve been blessed. I was able to put both my boys through college, and see them graduate without owing a penny. The company has been really good to me and my family.“