Bison Transport Truck Driver Named to Prestigious 2007-2008 OTA Road Knights Team

(March 12, 2007) – Tom Tuttle of Azilda, Ont., a truck driver with Bison Transport of Mississauga, Ont., has been named a member of the 2007-2008 Ontario Trucking Association Road Knights team – a select group of professional drivers who are dedicated to raising awareness of how all road users can safely share the road. Tuttle competed with truck drivers from all across the province for a coveted spot on the team.

Tom has logged 3.2 million km in his 20 years on the road, working more than nine of those years with his current employer. He was recently awarded with a ring and trophy by Bison Transport for reaching the milestone of 1 million consecutive safe driving miles collision free.

The 10 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 meet with 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.

“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.

“I have always believed the best way to lead others is by setting a good example yourself,” says Tuttle. This friendly professional driver is a perfectionist who is committed to old-fashioned values like honesty, friendliness, and helpfulness.

As a child Tom traveled frequently with his family and this could be considered the start of his passion for the road. He wanted to join a profession where he could travel and meet new people that would offer him the opportunity to speak and build relationships with people all over the country. Although frequently on the road his dedication to his family is his most valuable asset.

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, Today’s Trucking magazine (an industry journal), a truck driver from the previous Road Knights team, and OTA staff.

More than 70 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 seventh team that has been assembled since the program was formed in 1995. Over 75 drivers have participated in the program.

The Road Knights program earned a National Transportation Week Award of Excellence in 1996. In 1995 the program earned the coveted ‘Trailmobile Service to Industry’ award which is presented for vision, leadership and making an outstanding contribution to the truck transportation industry

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 www.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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