Municipal Tank Lines Owner-Operator Named to Prestigious OTA Road Knights Team

John McDowell of Welland an owner-operator with Municipal Tank Lines (a Trimac Company) in Thorold, Ont., has been named a member of the 2005-2006 Ontario Trucking Association Road Knights team – a select group of professional drivers who are dedicated to educating the general public about sharing the road. McDowell competed with truck drivers from all across the province for a coveted spot on the team.

The 9 members of the group are all full-time truck drivers, and competed against applicants from across the province for the right to wear the Road Knights coveted coat of arms. Team members are all employed as full-time transport drivers and step out of the cab several days each month to meet with community groups.

During their two-year terms, Road Knights speak to community groups, business associations, driving schools, seniors organizations and service clubs to help improve highway safety and increase awareness of the trucking industry’s contribution to the provincial economy. The free community outreach service is offered by the Ontario Trucking Association.

In more than nine years behind the wheel, John has logged more than 900,000 km, and during his five years at Municipal Tank Lines he has earned honors including the 1999 Trimac President’s Award.

“I am passionate about the trucking industry and how it is perceived by those outside the industry,” the Welland resident says. “The trucking industry is a vital part of society and I’m honored to have the opportunity to educate others on the safety issues affecting our industry.”

“The Road Knights are first-class drivers who represent their peers – Ontario transport drivers who are dedicated to safety and professionalism in the industry,” says David Bradley, president of the Ontario Trucking Association. “They are highly qualified to spread the message of road safety because they travel our roadways everyday, and have faced every type of traffic and weather condition imaginable.”

According to the Ontario Ministry of Transportation, tractor-trailers are involved in less than three per cent of all road collisions, making professional truck drivers the safest users of the province’s roads.

The Ontario Trucking Association’s Road Knights team is selected by a panel of judges including representatives from the Ontario Provincial Police, Ontario Ministry of Transportation, 680News radio, the Transportation Health and Safety Association of Ontario, Truck News (an industry journal), a truck driver from the previous Road Knights team, and OTA staff.

More than 50 drivers applied to participate in the program, while a short list of candidates prepared a speech and essay for the panel of judges. Each candidate on the short list was also subjected to a personal interview.

Prospective Road Knights must possess first-class driving records. To participate in the program, candidates must also be nominated by an Ontario Trucking Association member company in good standing.

In addition to educating community organizations about road safety, Road Knights take their trucks to local schools to introduce young people to career opportunities in the trucking industry. Recognized as leaders within their industry, the Road Knights also meet with students at truck driving schools to emphasize the importance of safety, professionalism and courtesy.

This is the sixth team that has been assembled since the program was formed, and 68 drivers have participated. The program is celebrating its 10^th anniversary this year.

Free presentations by a member of the team include an oral presentation, a video and pamphlets promoting road safety. Trucks can also be provided for road safety demonstrations.

For more information about the Road Knights, or to arrange for a presentation, contact the OTA’s communications department at 416-249-7401, ext. 224 or 237, or email info@ontruck.org.

The Ontario Trucking Association (OTA) is a business association representing motor carriers operating into, out of and within Ontario. The trucking industry is one of Ontario’s largest employers. Trucks haul 90% of all consumer products and foodstuffs produced and consumed in the province and 80% of Ontario’s trade with the United States. Founded in 1926, the association’s membership comprises trucking companies of all sizes, shipping all types of commodities, from all regions of North America. OTA is a member of the Canadian Trucking Alliance.

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