2010
Mitchell PollyDSR, XKC
Con-way Freight DSR Mitchell Polly had worked in construction for seven years before interest rates started rising and building contracts slowed in the early 1980s. When he saw his work opportunities begin to decline, Mitchell decided that it was time to seek out a new profession.
“A few of my family members drove trucks for a living,” said Mitchell. “When construction work became an unreliable source of income, I saw it as the perfect opportunity to merge into trucking as a permanent gig. I knew that I would have more job stability in this industry.”
For Mitchell, always staying alert and aware of his surroundings is what has helped him maintain a perfect driving record for the past two million miles.
“You have to be a defensive driver and know what is going on in the lanes around you,” he said. “I try to watch the body language of the drivers — if someone has both hands on the steering wheel, they are certainly paying more attention to the road than those who are eating or talking on the phone. It helps me to know who to watch out for.”
Asked what motorists can do to stay safe when driving around large trucks, Mitchell responds, “Motorists should try to avoid driving beside trucks for long periods of time. If you have to be around one, a safe following distance behind it is the best place to be. As a rule, if you are still able to see what is coming up ahead of you, then you are at a safe following distance.”
Mitchell is happy that he has been fortunate enough to stay accident-free, but he considers safety to be part of his job description.
“I am really glad that I was able to reach two million miles, but it is my job to be safe while driving and I am just trying to do my job well,” Mitchell said.
A resident of Concordia, Mo., Mitchell is based out of Con-way Freight’s Kansas City, Kan., service center. He has been married for 20 years to his wife, Donna, and has two children: Clint, 18, and Katelyn, 11. In his spare time, he enjoys riding his all-terrain vehicle and spending time with friends and family.
