SEOUL — More than 530,000 accident-free miles on South Korea’s notoriously dangerous roads helped earn an AAFES driver the inaugural Pacific Driver of the Year award.

Yi Si-chum, 57, was presented the award during a Nov. 11 ceremony at the Camp Market Army and Air Force Exchange Service distribution center in Seoul, according to an AAFES release.

"I am just doing my work," Yi, who’s worked for AAFES for 24 years, told Stars and Stripes. "It is a tremendously great honor for me."

Yi was selected from a pool of 74 drivers who work at AAFES distribution centers in South Korea, Japan, Okinawa and Hawaii, according to the release. They were judged on safety records, awards and commendations received throughout the year and on their professionalism.

As of Nov. 3, Yi had logged 533,200 accident-free miles.

He said patience is the key to keeping safe behind the wheel.

"Don’t make it hasty," he said, adding that he keeps calm and follows traffic rules.

Yi also gave kudos to his co-workers — the maintenance men who keep the vehicles in top shape.

He received a ring, a watch, a model car and a leather jacket, among other items, for the award.

"I like the leather jacket," he said.

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