DELAND -- Votran driver Bernard Huggins has received the National Safety Council Southeast Regional Best Safe Driver of the Year.
“This is the highest individual award earned by anyone in Votran's history,” said Ken Fischer, Votran general manager. “Votran has
multiple individuals with state awards, and in 1993, Votran won the national American Public Transit Association system award. We are so proud of our mobility team and these drivers.”
Huggins and drivers Evett "Doc" Wilson and Nathaniel Flynt received the National Safety Council's Safe Driver of the Year Award of Honor for the South Atlantic region. Wilson was the first Votran driver to accomplish the achievement of 1 and 2 million safe miles. Huggins and Flynt also have driven more than 2 million miles without an accident.
Huggins also was nominated for the National Safety Council National Driver of the Year.
At Votran, 30 drivers working for the public transit agency have reached the 1 million safety milestone, and four drivers have driven 2
million accident-free miles. It takes a Votran fixed-route driver about 12 years to drive 1 million miles. Huggins has logged more than 2 million safe miles.
“I'm so very honored to receive this award,” said Huggins as he accepted his award recently. “Most of my family members were truck
drivers, but I like people, I like to talk to people, see friendly faces and see them smile. So I became a bus driver for Votran, and I have been working here since 1975, yes, 34 years! Over that time I've made many friends, shared many laughs, and had many enjoyable
conversations.”
“One of my primary concerns, above all others, is safety,” added Huggins. “I follow safety regulations and guidelines and use common sense. I always try to maintain a certain level of security. The passengers of Votran need to know they can always feel safe on my bus. So I do my best to assure them of that. Driving for Votran has always been a rewarding experience, and I thank you for this recognition."
Huggins, Flynt and Wilson have received numerous commendations and awards for perfect attendance, safe driving, excellent customer service.
Huggins, who drives on Route 21 in West Volusia, has been named 1997 Operator of the Year and Employee of the Month five times. Huggins is a westside operator driving daily on Route 21.
Flynt, an eastside operator driving daily on Route 10 and Route 17, has worked for Votran for more than 30 years.
Wilson achieved 2 million safe miles in 2001. During his 32 years with Votran, he has been named 1995 and 2000 Operator of the Year and
Employee of the Month three times. Wilson is an eastside operator driving daily on Routes 40 and 41.
“I’d rather get our rider there late than not at all,” said Wilson. “For us drivers, it’s all about defensive driving. Traffic has increased tremendously. We have to watch out for so many other cars on the road these days.”
“Safety is a top concern,” said Fischer. “Votran’s mission is to identify and safely meet the mobility needs of Volusia County. These
drivers are evidence of the extreme quality of our service. But what makes it even better is that these guys do it with a level of courtesy and professionalism that sets a benchmark for others to meet.”
The National Safety Council has been the nation’s leading safety and health membership organization for more than 90 years.