PLATTSBURGH — A local trucker has driven the equivalent of two round trips to the moon without an accident.
Lee Monaco recently drove his 1 millionth accident-free mile for Con-way Freight.
Monaco said it was exciting to reach that number.
"Obviously, safety is my No. 1 concern when I get behind the wheel. I'm pleased with myself. It is a huge milestone."
Monaco of West Chazy is based in Con-way's Plattsburgh Service Center. The center's manager, Ty Campbell, said the feat is also comparable to driving around the Earth 40 times.
"To drive that many miles without hitting anything is truly remarkable," Campbell said.
500 MILES PER NIGHT
Monaco said he's been driving since 1984, when he graduated from Concord-Carlisle Regional High School in Concord, Mass. He started with Con-way Freight in 1997.
Monaco drives a tandem-trailer rig on the night shift between Plattsburgh and Newburgh. He travels about 500 miles a night, usually 10 to 11.5 hours.
Campbell said the milestone is even more remarkable given the terrain and weather on the Adirondack Northway.
"Handling that equipment with cars skidding in front of you or animals running out in front of you — this is amazing," he said.
WEEKEND WORK
Monaco said he's learned to be as courteous and safe as possible to fellow travelers. That's important, as he represents the company, but also to make sure he returns home safely from each trip.
As another testament to his love of driving, Monaco said he drives a limousine for Ground Force 1 on weekends.
"That's a different animal all together," he said.
'IMPRESSIVE'
Con-way Freight President John Labrie also commended Monaco's accomplishment.
"Lee's impressive accomplishment highlights the personal and professional commitment to safety of our employees who go behind the wheel of a truck every day and who make it their business to demonstrate superior safety performance on the highways, in our service centers and at our customers' facilities," he said.
"Safety is one of our core values, and we congratulate Lee for his extraordinary achievement."
The company honored Monaco's achievement with a plaque, ring and embroidered jacket.
Monaco said he and his wife, Victoria, and two children will probably have a dinner out to celebrate, at some point.
Campbell said Monaco has always been very professional.
"Lee is very conscious of how the company works. He's always here and willing to do his job."
PAST ACHIEVEMENT
Another Con-way Freight driver based in Plattsburgh is approaching 1.5 million miles without an accident.
Paul Helms Sr. of Saranac joined Con-way in 1987, reached 1 million accident-free miles in 2006 and had 1,438,840 miles as of Aug. 20.
Helms also won a New York State Truck Driving Championship in the double trailer class in 2002.
Campbell said drivers from most of the trucking companies take part in the event, which includes a written test and driving competitions in a variety of divisions.
"It's like the World Series for truck drivers," he said.
E-mail Dan Heath at:
dheath@pressrepublican.com
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