You Go Grrl: Deb Davis

Deb Davis has been a truck driver for Frito Lay for 34 years, a career which she calls "a dream come true," noting that "her late mother only dreamed of being a truck driver herself, and was thrilled when her daughter had the opportunity to take the road." Davis is one of only two female drivers in Frity-Lay's 88-driver plant in Beloit, and recently reached an incredible milestone in her career:

She was recently honored for having driven 2 million miles without an accident, roughly the equivalent of nine round trips from Earth to the moon.

It’s a rare accomplishment for any over-the-road driver, but especially for a woman in an industry that is only 12 to 15 percent female. Davis' co-workers, however, aren't surprised with her performance.

"She's extremely professional, and she's just so much fun to be around," said Linda Burns, traffic manager for Frito-Lay.

…She never let being a woman get in her way, and luckily most of the men didn't give her any problems about it.

When she first started out in Iowa, for example, she couldn't get her truck doors open. She went to a gas station filled with men, a little nervous to ask for help. But she said the guys opened the doors without teasing her much.

…She doesn't mind lending fellow drivers a hand either. One snowy Thanksgiving weekend she ran into a carload of stranded girls. After she called a tow truck for them and sent them on their way, she was later commended by the girl's mother, who sent a thank-you note to Frito-Lay.

Rock Roll on, Deb Davis.

There's an NPR broadcast about Davis available here. Thanks to Shaker Jessica for passing that along.