Ernest York of Mars Hill was named Driver of the Year by the Maine Professional Drivers Association. York started his driving career in 1955 and has remained with the same company, McCain Foods of Easton, for nearly 20 years. He has driven millions of miles without an accident and has been recognized many times for his achievements during his driving career. The association’s research shows that his last accident was in 1960 and was deemed nonpreventable. He competed in state truck driving championships and turned in good performances each time. In 1996, York represented Maine at the American Trucking Associations national competition.

York is a founding member of the MPDA, which was formed in 1989 to promote safety, courtesy and professionalism in the trucking industry. Over the years the program has expanded to promote general highway safety and to educate the public on sharing the road with big commercial vehicles.