Think you’re a good driver?

You’ve got many miles to go before eclipsing the record of Merced mail carrier Arthur Hanson.

Drum roll, please!

Hanson has driven a mail truck more than two million miles without an accident during his 60 years with USPS.

No wonder he’ll be honored in a ceremony at 8:30 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 9, at the Merced Post Office, 2334 M Street.

USPS Is a Hanson Family Tradition

“It has only been by God’s grace that I’ve achieved this milestone,” Hanson said in a news release. “Reaching two million miles means staying alert, being safe, and doing my job as safely as possible.

“This award is especially meaningful because my dad was the first African American employee to work at the Merced Post Office, and my mom later became a clerk there. I only wish my dad could have been here to see me receive this recognition.”

Not unexpectedly, Merced Postmaster Rebecca Maurer is impressed by Hanson’s driving record.

“Safe driving is no accident. It is an honor to recognize Arthur for the safe way in which he cares not only for the sanctity of the mail, but in the way he drives,” she said. “It’s been a privilege to work with him.”

For those who’d like to stay out of wrecks (and potentially lower their insurance rates), Hanson has these tips:

• Drive defensively and expect the unexpected.
• Maintain a distance of one car length for every 10 mph between your vehicle and the one ahead of you.
• Be courteous, use turn signals, and obeying all traffic laws.
• Keep your options open. Have a “what to do if I’m cut off” strategy.
• Don’t drive distracted. Put away mobile devices when behind the wheel.

That’s a Lot of Miles

Someone licensed at 16 and driving until age 86 will typically total just short of a million miles. That’s based on an average of 14,000 miles yearly.

Putting a million miles into perspective, that equates to 40 trips around Earth or two round trips to the moon.

Thus, Hanson has driven — accident free, no less — the equivalent of 80 times around the globe or four round trips to the moon.