Driver trainer awarded Bandag Highway Guardian

Bolton praised for his efforts to help recover the driver of a car that had rolled into Tweed River

 

Melbourne-based truck driver Steve Bolton is the latest recipient of the Bridgestone Bandag Highway Guardian Award.

The Bridgestone Bandag Highway Guardian Award recognises the efforts of truck drivers who go above and beyond the call of duty to assist those around them during the course of their normal work.

Bolton was honoured for his swift action and invaluable assistance to emergency services after witnessing a car roll into the river on the Tweed Valley Highway in New South Wales.

He was praised for his cooperation with police and other attending services in recovering the driver of the vehicle.

The award was handed during the Technical and Maintenance Conference (TMC) in Melbourne yesterday.

Bolton has been an employee of Toll Group since 2008 and is a senior leader on the Coles South East Queensland contract.

He is one of Toll Group’s driver trainers and plays an active role in the accreditation of drivers.

Toll Group head of government relations Royce Christie says safety is a key focus for the company and Steve Bolton always has it at the forefront of his actions.

“Steve is very much a senior leader on the Coles South Eastern Queensland contract. He leads by example and is always involved if there are issues to solve,” Christie says.

“He is one of our driver trainers, part of our safety committee and is also part of our senior leadership group.

“Steve is called upon to conduct store assessments or any other incident or near miss we may have in the SEQ contract and is very much a key part of our success on that contract.”

Bridgestone Australia and New Zealand MD Andrew Moffatt praised Bolton’s actions.

“Steve Bolton’s swift actions and cooperation with emergency services ensured that the accident didn’t result in the loss of a life,” Moffatt says.

“It is these selfless actions that are worthy of recognition and we take great pride in awarding Mr Bolton with the Bridgestone Bandag Highway Guardian award.

“We all want to see safer highways and it is people like Steve Bolton, through his leadership within the Toll Group that will help make it a reality.”

Australian Trucking Association (ATA) chair Geoff Crouch also extended his commendation to Bolton’s efforts.

“Any time a truck is involved in an accident there is always scrutiny, but Steve’s composure and calmness demonstrated what an asset he is to the industry,” Crouch says.

Potential Bridgestone Bandag Highway Guardian candidates can be brought to the ATA’s attention at any time by emailing ata@truck.net.au.

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