TST Overland (Windsor) Truck
Driver Named to Prestigious OTA Road Knights Team
March 29, 2005
Ted Wheeler, a truck driver with TST Overland Express
in Windsor, 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. Wheeler
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 coveted Road Knights 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.
Ted has logged an astounding 5.3 million km in
his 38 years behind the wheel -- following in the footsteps of his father -- and
has earned safety honors including a 25-year THSAO Safe Driving
Pin.
“This job has provided me and my family
with a very good life, and I just love to drive,” the Essex resident says.
“The phrase, ‘If you got it, a truck brought it’ is so real to
me.”
“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.
About the OTA Road Knights:
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.
Members of the 2005-2006 Road Knights Team
include:
- Robert Bedard, St. Thomas (TST Overland Express, London)
- Martin Dej, Orleans (Kriska Holdings Ltd., Prescott)
- Matthew Graveline, Cambridge (McArthur Express Inc., Cambridge)
- Alvin Kane, Brampton (Kriska Holdings Ltd., Brampton)
- Angus MacCormac, Scarborough (Bison Transport, Mississauga)
- John McDowell* Welland
(Municipal Tank Lines, a Trimac Company, Thorold) - Bob Morley, Halton Hills (TKO Transportation Inc., Milton)
- Trevor Weir, Ajax (Thomson Terminals Ltd., Etobicoke)
- Ted Wheeler, Essex (TST Overland Express, Windsor)
*Owner-operator
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 10th anniversary this year.
The Road Knights program earned a National
Transportation Week Award of Excellence in 1996.
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.
-30-
Note to editors: Team photo available on
request.
MEDIA CONTACT: Rebecka Torn rtorn@ontruck.org;
(416) 249-7401 x. 224
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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2008, Ontario Trucking Association
555 Dixon Road, Toronto, Ontario
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Tel: (416) 249-7401 | Fax: (416) 245-6152
Email:
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