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UPS celebrated a company record this past January when Ron Sowder, one of its signature-brown uniform clad employees, marked his 50-year anniversary of driving for the company without causing a single accident. The 72-year-old employee from Springboro, Ohio estimates that he has driven at least four million miles during his tenure at UPS. His regular route, which Sowder drives five days a week, spans 306 miles between West Carrollton, Ohio, and Louisville, Kentucky.

Ron Sowder began working for UPS in 1960, right after leaving the Navy. His driving career began with delivering packages to businesses and homes. In 1976, he advanced to driving tractor-trailer trucks between facilities, which he still does today. He’s good at it, too, which is what earned him the nickname “The Big Dog” from his peers at UPS.

Mr. Sowder was celebrated in January at the West Carrollton, Ohio shipping facility with a party featuring special guests from around the country. He has also made appearances on shows such as American Trucker and National Public Radio’s Morning Edition. In his interview with Steve Inskeep on Morning Edition, Mr. Sowder’s expressed overall satisfaction with his career choice, saying he enjoyed his life behind the big wheel. The veteran driver mentioned that his chief complaint about modern-day motorists was their lack of courtesy. “You let people in, and that’s that. Only about one out of 50 can bring themselves to throw their hand up, thanks. And they don’t use turn signals. (…) I think some of these people need some additional training or something.”

Don’t Be the Driver Ron Sowder Refers to:

Six Driving Tips from the American Medical Association 

1. Plan your trip ahead of time. Decide what time to leave and which roads to take. Try to avoid heavy traffic, poor weather and high-speed areas.
2. Never drive when you feel angry or tired. If you start to feel tired, stop your car somewhere safe. Try to rest until you are more alert.
3. When you take a new medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist about side effects. Many medicines may affect your driving even when you feel fine. If your medicine makes you dizzy or drowsy, talk to your doctor to find out ways to take your medicine so it doesn’t affect your driving.
4. Drive at the speed limit. It’s unsafe to drive too fast or too slow.
5. Never eat, drink or use a cell phone while driving.
6. Keep a cloth in your car for cleaning windows for optimal visibility at all times.

When Accidents Happen

For all that we may do to be safe and vigilant on the road, accidents can still happen, even to the best of drivers. If you or someone you love has been injured in a car accident that was the fault of another driver, you may be entitled to payment for your losses. Contact our experienced attorneys today for a free consultation to determine whether you may eligible for compensation.