By Judy Seifert
Staff Writer
VASSAR — Driving 2-million miles is an achievement. Driving all those miles without an accident is beyond remarkable. Yet one Con-Way Freight driver has done just that.
Vassar resident Dallas Glady started driving professionally right out of high school.
“I graduated and I stayed with it because I was able to support my family,” said Dallas.
Based out of Con-way Freight’s Saginaw service center, Dallas has been a professional truck driver for 35 years.
Knowing that he is responsible for the lives of other people’s family members while behind the wheel has kept him accident-free all those miles.
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“The idea that I have a responsibility to someone for the life of their child, mother or father riding in a car next to me, really makes me a cautious driver,” said Dallas. “And I would hope that there are other drivers out there thinking the same thing about my family.”
Even though reaching two million miles was not a career objective for Dallas, he is proud of the achievement.
“I haven’t had an accident in over 20 years, that’s quite an accomplishment,” he said. “I’m really happy that I have had my family’s support, I believe that they played a big role in helping me achieve this.”
His accomplishment isn’t going unrecognized by the company he works for.
“Dallas’ record is impressive. It highlights our employees commitment to safety,” said Douglas Stotlar, president and chief executive officer of Con-Way Inc. “Safety is one of our core values and we congratulate Dallas for this extraordinary achievement.”
Dallas began working at Con-Way in 1986. He was also recognized by the company when he reached the 1-million mark.
“I average 500 miles per shift and my route takes me from Saginaw to Southbend,” he said.
When asked what motorists can do to make roads safer for everyone, he said just to remember that they are driving on a highway not a race car track.
“When people are cutting in really tight between cars and following each other too closely, that’s usually when you’ll see an accident,” he added.
He has been married for 32 years to his wife, Jeannie. The couple has three children and four grandchildren. A fifth grandchild is expected this month.
Con-way Freight is considered a leader in less-than-truckload freight transportation. The company is based in Ann Arbor.