James Hylan Grise of Walmart Transportation in Hopkinsville, Ky., has been presented with the National Driver of the Year Award by American Trucking Associations.

Grise has been a driver for more than 42 years and has accumulated over 4.25 million accident-free miles. He participated in the Kentucky Driving Championships 11 times, winning the sleeper division and qualifying for the National Truck Driving Championships in 2005, 2011 and 2012.

He has also helped other Kentucky champions prepare and practice for the National Truck Driving Championships.

“Hylan has had an exceptional career as a professional truck driver with zero accidents during his 42 year career. That’s truly a remarkable accomplishment,” said ATA President and CEO Bill Graves. “The trucking industry relies on drivers like James Hylan to drive each day with a safety-first mindset and his commitment to safety and professionalism deserves praise.”

He has taken part in Walmart-sponsored driving safety courses on distracted driving, defensive driving, injury prevention and recognizing drug and alcohol abuse. Grise participates in the Walmart Heart Program that helps children and adults with chronic medical conditions or special needs.

“It’s important for Americans to know about professional truck drivers, like James Hylan, who make the daily decision to deliver important goods to communities in the safest and most efficient way possible,” said Jamie Fiepke, president and CEO of Kentucky Motor Transport Association.