6.4 million collision-free kilometers in 26 years of truck driving
Ontario "Truck Hero" Named Canadian Truck Driver of the Year

November 9, 2000

Barry Enman, 47, a driver with Warren Gibson Ltd. in Alliston, Ontario, has been named Canada’s 2000 Canadian Trucking Alliance/Volvo Trucks Canada National Driver of the Year.

The award has been presented annually for the past 25 years to a Canadian professional truck driver who holds a first-class driving record, demonstrates professionalism, courtesy - and sometimes bravery - both on and off the road. This year’s award was presented during the Opening Ceremony of the 2000 Ontario Trucking Association convention (Nov. 8-10, Regal Constellation Hotel, 900 Dixon Road, Toronto).

Barry Enman has been a professional truck driver for 26 years (13 with Warren Gibson) and in that time has accumulated over 6.4 million collision-free kilometres. He also came to the aid of a collision victim at the site of a major collision on Highway 401 in 1994 just outside of London.

Mr. Enman and two other truck drivers from Warren Gibson Ltd. came upon the collision scene. The three drivers used their trucks to block each lane of traffic to protect those injured before running for help. Enman and the two other men cut the woman driver of one of the car's involved in the collision out of her vehicle as she was hanging from the driver's seat.

"She was unconscious when I first got to her, but she came around in a few minutes," said Enman. "She was still in her seat belt but the vehicle was on its side and she was hanging there."

The two other Warren Gibson Ltd. truck drivers supported her while Enman cut the belt and released her.

"Barry Enman's outstanding driving record, and his selfless actions at roadside exemplify the commitment to road safety made by Canada’s professional truck drivers," says David Bradley, CEO of the Canadian Trucking Alliance. "But it is in the way he goes about his day-to-day work - both on and off the road - that makes him stand out above the rest."

Mr. Enman consistently displays exemplary behaviour, is a role model to his peers and safely shares the road with other road users. He serves on various committees and is unstinting in providing support and contributions.

Mr. Enman accumulated much of his collision-free record driving in both the United States and Canada. He now transports autoparts between Alliston and Windsor along Highway 401 - Canada's busiest trade corridor. He drives for Warren Gibson Ltd., a truckload carrier that handles general freight and autoparts.

“We, at Gibson’s are honoured to have one of our own professional drivers chosen for this prestigious award. We’re very proud of Barry’s accomplishments and are certain he will prove to be an exemplary national driver of the year,” said Monika Bevand, Human Resources Coordinator with Warren Gibson Ltd.

Canada’s driver of the year is chosen by a panel of judges. The judges include representatives from Canada Safety Council, Transport Canada, Traffic Injury Research Foundation of Canada and the Ontario Trucking Association.

Mr. Enman receives a $1,000 cash prize and a trip for two anywhere in Canada, courtesy of Volvo Trucks Canada.

Barry Enman and his wife, Marlene, live in Stayner, Ontario.

Media Contacts:

Rebecka Torn
rebecka.torn@ontruck.org
416-249-7401, Ext. 224

Stephen Anderson
stephen.anderson@ontruck.org
416-249-7401, Ext. 245