2011
Brian PuryearDSR, NRM
Driver sales representative Brian Puryear followed in his father’s footsteps when he pursued a professional driving career.
“I guess I was what you could call a trucking brat, since my dad was in the trucking business,” Brian said. “I never really intended on driving when I was growing up, it just worked out that way, but I think it’s a good profession to be in.”
The job does not come without its challenges, however. As a night driver, Brian says that it can be difficult to make sure that you have enough rest prior to beginning a shift.
“If you’re not well rested then you aren’t able to focus as well,” he said. “It’s really important to always be alert and watching out for other people, especially when driving at night. You don’t know whether or not the people around you have had enough rest, so you have to make sure you can avoid them if you need to.”
Brian credits good instincts with helping him to stay accident-free for two million miles. “I can anticipate what someone is going to do before they do it, which helps me avoid bad situations,” he said.
When asked how motorists can help keep the roads safe for everyone, Brian responds, “Driving at night makes using a cell phone, not to mention texting, even more dangerous than during the day. Not only are you distracted, but the light from the screen temporarily blinds you when look back to the road.”
Reaching two million miles had always been in the back of Brian’s mind, but he didn’t start checking his mileage until he knew that he was close. “Everyone wants to be safe, it’s nice to be recognized for it,” he adds.
A resident of Chesterfield, Va., Brian is based out of Con-way Freight’s Richmond, Va., service center. He has three children: Jon, 22, Jesse, 20, and Jamie, 19, and is engaged to fiancé, Carol Jones. In his spare time, Brian is an avid golfer.
