Aug. 27, 2026
Combined 253 Years of Accident-Free Driving
BAKERSFIELD, CA — Seven Bakersfield Letter Carriers have joined an elite group of Postal Service employees who have individually driven more than a million accident-free miles.
What: Million Mile Safe Driver Ceremony
Where: Bakersfield Post Office, 3400 Pegasus Drive, Bakersfield, CA 93380
Time: 8:00 am on Thursday, September 17, 2026
Mario Marquez, 42 years Safe Driving. “I am incredibly proud to reach the million miles driven award and grateful for a rewarding career with the Postal Service.”
Paul Hernandez, 32 years Safe Driving. “Thank you for the million-mile recognition, but I thought this award was for old people. Thank you again, this means a lot to me.”
Jennifer Hernandez, 36 years Safe Driving. “Driving one million miles throughout my 36 years of service with the USPS is an accomplishment! It takes immense focus and patience. Knowing I’ve done more than that in my personal time on the street is a blessing to be able to keep myself and my loved ones safe.”
Diane Ryder, 31 years of Safe Driving. “To receive a million-mile recognition brings me a sense of accomplishment. I have been blessed to have had a long career with the Postal Service and I’m proud to have reached this milestone.”
Daniel Medina, 42 years of Safe Driving. “I do appreciate this acknowledgement of achievement. Although I am not perfect and make mistakes, I do appreciate my 40-year record of consistency in safety to be recognized. Thank you. “
Edward Vitson, 32 years of Safe Driving. “Safety is about making conscious decisions. What is safe versus what isn’t. Take the time to be safe while doing your absolute best for your customers. That’s what I strive for.”
Isaconie Celestino, 38 years of Safe Driving. “It is very important for me to be safety conscious: to make sure I’m doing everything correctly to save lives.”
How did they achieve such a feat?
By driving defensively — expecting the unexpected.
By maintaining a safe distance of one car length for every 10 mph between them and the car in front of them.
By being courteous, using turn signals and obeying all laws.
By keeping their options open — have a “what to do if I’m cut off” strategy.
By not driving distracted, turning off mobile devices when driving — no cell phones or texting.
“Safe driving is no accident,” said Bakersfield Postmaster Jasveer Brar. “It’s an honor to recognize our seven dedicated employees for the safe way in which they daily care not only for the sanctity of the mail, but in the way they drive.”
The National Safety Council’s Million Mile Club is an honor reserved for employees driving one million miles – or 30 years – without an at-fault accident.
Postal Service drivers are among the safest in the world. The achievement of driving, in this case over seven million miles, for a total of 253 years, all accident-free, is truly remarkable.
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