HEB truck driver sets accident-free record

SAN ANTONIO – The odometer was still rolling on Andres "Andy" Corona's big rig as he pulled up to the HEB Transportation Center in San Antonio.

In total, Corona had racked up 4 million miles, accident-free, plus some as he remained on the clock.
 
Corona, a 39-year-old veteran behind the wheel for HEB, remained quiet, yet humble as HEB employees, family and friends cheered while he pulled his truck into the parking lot.

Department of Public Safety agents escorted the 18-wheeler.
 
"It's something I'll never forget for the rest of my life," said Corona.
 
The longtime truck driver even fielded a congratulatory call from HEB CEO Charles Butt.
 
"This is the first in Texas history, not only HEB history, but Texas history that someone has hit 4 million miles," said Mike Graham, senior vice president of supply chain and logistics for HEB, when describing the significance of the feat.
 
Corona also becomes one of only a handful in the country to pass the milestone. All 4 million miles were traveled without a minor scrape or dent. While skill and defensive driving are needed, Corona said plenty of luck was involved. He faced several close calls in his career, including a near miss with a wrong-way driver.
 
"Thank God he stopped and pulled over to the shoulder," said Corona of the wayward driver.
 
As for the dangers of driving, Corona believed it had become far more difficult in recent years, courtesy of cellphone-wielding drivers and increased speed limits.
 
"Our trucks still run slow, and everybody else is driving along fast," said Corona.
 
Corona also added that it was unlikely that 5 million accident-free miles were in his future.
 
"I think I'm pretty close to end of my career," he said with a laugh.
 
Corona and his family will receive a vacation as a bonus from HEB for his service to the company.