Driver has two million collision free miles during 20 years on the road

(TORONTO: November 20, 2008) -- Luke Langlois (Brockville, ON) a professional transport driver with Kriska Transportation (Prescott, ON) has been named the 2008 OTA/Volvo Trucks Canada Driver of The Year. Luke has driven two million collision free miles during a career that has spanned almost twenty years on the road.

Each year the award goes to a Professional Transport Driver who has a collision free driving record and is an exemplary driver both on and off the road. Luke was presented with his award at a luncheon today on the opening day of the 82nd annual convention of the Ontario Trucking Association (November 20-21 Doubletree Hotel by Hilton, Toronto, ON). A keepsake trophy, cash prize, and a trip to the Ontario Trucking Association convention were all part of the award presented to Luke today.

"Truck driving is not a job; it’s a lifestyle,” says Ontario’s newly minted truck driver of the year. "Truck driving has provided me with a great life. It is an honour to encourage highway safety and treat people the way I would like to be treated. For me it’s about being happy, enjoying the journey and being the best you can be."

"Luke Langlois exemplifies qualities of a professional truck driver both on and off the road," says OTA President David Bradley. "It is a great honour to present him with this prestigious award in recognition of his achievement."

He has been recognized for his collision free driving record many times and has repeatedly been the first to lend assistance and comfort at an accident scene.

While Luke is too modest to willingly admit it his road stories include an act of heroism in January of 2008. While travelling north on the Johnstown, ON/Ogdensburg, NY International Bridge during a wind storm he witnessed a transport truck flipped on its side causing the guardrail and lamp post to tumble into the St. Lawrence Seaway. Luke brought his truck to a safe stop and with the help of another driver he secured the scene and removed the trapped driver from the overturned truck. With the use of a steel bar Luke was able to remove the windshield and evacuate the driver to another truck which transported him to Canada Customs for medical attention. Luke remained at the scene to advise emergency personnel of the circumstances.

Luke and his wife Claudia (husband and wife team 1995 - 2004) make their home in Brockville, ON. In his spare time Luke enjoys family gatherings and special outings with his nieces, Isabella, Sophia and nephew Samuel. His passion is collecting and smoking great cigars and sampling fine scotch and food with friends. He also enjoys photography and Blues music and one day would love to learn the slide guitar. When life gets in the way Luke and Claudia take a road trip to nowhere in particular. “We´ve been there, done it, and want to do it again."