Melbourne driver named Highway Guardian

Toll employee receives Bridgestone Bandag award

Melbourne based truck driver Steve Bolton (Pictured with ATA's Geoff Crouch and Bridgestone National Manager of
Commercial Sales Geoff May) is the latest recipient of the Bridgestone Bandag Highway Guardian award, which was presented at the Australian Trucking Association/Australian Road Transport Suppliers’ Association Technical and Maintenance Conference on Tuesday, October 17.

Mr Bolton is an employee of Toll Group and is a senior leader on the Coles South East Queensland contract.

The award was in recognition of his swift action and assistance to emergency services after witnessing a car roll into a river on the Tweed Valley Highway.

Steve was praised for his co-operation with police and other attending services in recovering the driver of the vehicle.

Steve has been with Toll Group since 2008 and over that time has boasted an exemplary driving record. He is also one of Toll Group’s driver trainers and plays an active role in the accreditation of drivers.

According to Head of Government Relations at Toll Group, Royce Christie, safety is a key focus for the company and Steve 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,” said Mr Christie.

“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 Managing Director Andrew Moffatt praised Mr Bolton’s actions.

“Steve Bolton’s swift actions and co-operation with emergency services ensured that the accident didn’t result in the loss of a life,” Mr Moffatt said.

“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,” he added.

The Bridgestone Bandag Highway Guardian Award honours the great community service performed by professional truck drivers who go above and beyond the call of duty to assist those around them during the course of their normal work.

Australian Trucking Association Chair Geoff Crouch also extended his commendation to Mr 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,” Mr Crouch said.

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

Melbourne driver named Highway Guardian

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