Kriska Transportation Truck
Driver Named to Prestigious 2007-2008 OTA Road Knights Team
Peter Durant has logged 2.5 million kilometers in
12 years behind the wheel
(March 19, 2007) – Peter Durant, a long distance
truck driver with Kriska Transportation in Prescott, 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. Durant competed with truck
drivers from all across the province for a spot on the team and for the right to
wear the coveted Road Knights coat of arms.
The 10 members of the team are all employed as
full-time transport drivers or owner-operators and step out of the cab several
days each month to meet with the public.
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.
Durant, who hauls loads requiring specialized
temperature controlled equipment throughout Canada and the United States, has
logged over 2.5 million kilometers in 12 years on the road.
This professional driver has been formally recognized
several times for safe driving. He is the recipient of multiple “Safety
Performance Awards” presented by Kriska and has been named to the
‘Kriska Million Mile Program’.
Durant, who is committed to making the roads as safe
as possible for both him and other road users, says he is excited to address
groups about safe road sharing techniques. He also recognizes the shortage of
transport drivers the industry is experiencing and is keen on sharing his
enthusiasm for the industry with anyone who might be considering trucking as a
career choice.
This driving professional resides in Spencerville, a
town located in Eastern Ontario. He and his wife, Kimberly, have two children
and one granddaughter. Durant spends his leisure time with his family and likes
to play golf as much as possible.
“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, Today’s Trucking
magazine (an industry journal), a truck driver from the previous Road Knights
team, and OTA staff.
Members of the 2007-2008 Road Knights Team
include:
- James Coles, MacKinnon Transport Inc.
- Peter Durant, Kriska Transportation
- Mike Hahn*, Challenger Motor Freight Inc.
- Rob Harding*, Trimac Transportation Services Inc.
- Doug Ladds, MacKinnon Transport Inc.
- Roger Levesque, Thomson Terminals Limited
- John Lougheed, Erb Transport Ltd.
- Sandy Milne*, Highland Transport
- Tom Tuttle, Bison Transport Inc.
- Frits Vanderhulst, Highland Transport
*Owner-operator
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.
30 –
Note to editors: Team and individual photos
available on request.
About 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.
www.ontruck.org
About Kriska Transportation -- Kriska is a privately
held, family owned Canadian corporation which began operating in 1978.
Operating from our head office in Prescott, Ontario, with a remote terminal in
Mississauga, Ontario, Kriska employs over 500 people. Kriska has diversified as
well by heading into warehousing, driver training, and logistics fields. Kriska
is committed to quality, reliability, and outstanding service at competitive
rates. We are proud of our people, our culture, our heritage, our position in
the market and our accomplishments. For the last six years we have been
recognized as one of Canada’s 50 Best Managed Companies reaching Platinum
status, one of North America’s safest fleets and one of Canada’s
highest ranked service providers in the truckload sector.
Kriska’s motto is and will continue to be "The
Difference Is In Our People.” www.kriska.com
© 1995 -
2008, Ontario Trucking Association
555 Dixon Road, Toronto, Ontario
M9W
1H8
Tel: (416) 249-7401 | Fax: (416) 245-6152
Email:
info@ontruck.org