Celebrating a Million-Mile Milestone: Don Reed’s Journey to 1 Million Safe Miles
Post Date - Feb 17, 2025
Achieving a million safe miles behind the wheel is no small feat—it’s a testament to skill, dedication, and professionalism. At Ascend, we’re proud to recognize the incredible achievements of our drivers who have reached and exceeded this milestone. From the first mile to the millionth, their commitment to safety sets the gold standard for our entire team.
In this second installment of our Roadmap to Millions blog series, we’re celebrating drivers who have exceeded the impressive benchmark of one million safe miles. Today, we’re shining the spotlight on Don Reed, who embodies the dedication and excellence that makes Ascend a leader in the trucking industry.
Don Reed’s journey with Ascend began about 8–9 years ago when he joined our team. Based in Wisconsin, Don has been driving since 1989, and his extensive experience has shaped his safety-first approach on the road. Reaching 1 million safe miles is an achievement Don describes as a “feeling of accomplishment.” Seeing trucks on the highway bearing the "1 Million Safe Miles" badge inspired him and achieving it himself has been incredibly rewarding.
The road to 1 million miles wasn’t without its challenges. For Don, the biggest obstacle was other drivers on the road, which made defensive driving techniques essential. “Be careful of what you’re doing and watch out for other people,” Don advises. “My wife would be pretty upset if I didn’t come home safely!” For him, staying vigilant and protecting himself by always being aware of his surroundings has been key to his success.
Staying consistent over the long haul requires discipline and strong habits. Don credits his success to practices like pre-tripping his truck, pulling over to rest when tired, and keeping his mind engaged. Whether it’s talking to friends on the phone or listening to audiobooks instead of just music, Don finds ways to stay motivated and alert behind the wheel.
For drivers working toward their first million, Don offers practical advice: “Keep your phone in your pocket and do not let it be a distraction. Keep your head on a swivel. Your job is staring out of the windshield and ensuring nothing hits you. Trust, but verify with your GPS.”
Don attributes much of his safety success to Ascend’s commitment to providing reliable, well-maintained equipment. “Ascend has done good by me,” he says. “They maintain and give us good equipment to make sure our trucks aren’t breaking down on the road. If you have good equipment, it’s easier to be safe.” Over the years, Don has received three new trucks, and each one has made his job safer and more efficient.
As Don reflects on his milestone, he’s filled with gratitude and pride. “I’m just happy I got this,” he says. “It’s an accomplishment that is rewarding to reach before my career ends.”
Don Reed’s journey to 1 million safe miles is a testament to his hard work, focus, and unwavering dedication to safety. His story reminds us all of the importance of vigilance and professionalism on the road, and we’re proud to have him as a part of the Ascend family.
Stay tuned for more inspiring stories from our Roadmap to Millions series as we celebrate the drivers who set the standard for safety and excellence at Ascend.