Hamman celebrates 40 years of safety

Red Oak UPS driver Kenny Hamman was recently honored for his four decades of safe driving.

Hamman, who recently celebrated his 41st anniversary with the company, was honored for a continuous 40-year record of safe driving. He shared in the celebration with family and friends at a special event at the UPS center last Wednesday. Members of the UPS staff were on hand to praise Hamman for his record of driving safety.

Hamman said as times have changed, to maintain his record of safety, he and other drivers are now driving for the other person.

“It’s amazing what you see, sitting up higher and looking down at cars, seeing people texting and driving and things like that,” Hamman said.

Hamman said the award was very special to him, and he was very pleased to be able to share in the event with his family.

“I was really surprised when I saw all the kids walk in. My eldest son lives in South Carolina and flew in overnight. It was a special treat. Everything UPS has done for me for this, and having my family here for it is a memory I’ll always have,” commented Hamman.

According to Hamman, there are a number of practices he and other drivers follow to maintain a record of safety.

“We always have a safety meeting in the morning, and review it all the time. We have annual rides with our supervisors and answer safety questions covering the minute you get in the truck until you shut it off. There is always some sort of safety procedure we’re following as the day goes on when we do a delivery.”

One of the most difficult situations he and other drivers face is making deliveries in cases of inclement weather.

“The weather plays a big factor, especially when it’s icy. The county roads can get really slick for awhile. But we go with working conditions, and the rural population is very understanding. If we can’t make it, we can call them and meet them somewhere for a delivery. We’re in the area all the time, so we know our customers very well,” said Hamman.