Dave Ernest
2009 Minnesota Truck Driver of the Year.
The Minnesota Truck Driver of the Year selection, which has been presented annually since 1973, is based on driving record, job performance and community service. Dave has logged more than 1.5 million accident-free miles in his trucking career.
First nominated by his employers at Smith Trucking, Dave was given Driver of the Month honors for October 2009.
Dave attributes his accident-free accomplishment to a cautious attitude when he’s on the road.
“The key to the safety record is the decision I make to not make a bad decision,” he said. “If the weather is bad, I pull over. Why keep pushing it? And that’s what they encourage at Smith. They always want to know, ‘Are you in a safe spot?’”
Trucking has been Dave’s vocation for just 12 years.