Third Highway Guardian named

Another Australian truck driver has been lauded for going above and beyond the call of duty, with Phil Berger of Kerin Kay Transport named as the third Bridgestone Bandag Highway Guardian.

The announcement was made at the ATA's 25th Anniversary Gala Dinner in Hobart on March 21.

While caught in a traffic jam in Sydney on November 21, 2014, and with temperatures hovering around a scorching 40 degrees C, Berger – who was on his way to collect a load of fuel – noticed that a woman and her young son had left their nearby vehicle to sit in the shade of a tree.

After the couple remained there for several minutes, Berger approached them to see if everything was okay. In fact, three-year-old Cruze was dangerously ill, suffering from severe heatstroke and dehydration.

Berger took Cruze and his mum, Debra, to the cool of his air-conditioned truck cab, where he gave the boy water and grapes to aid his recovery. When the traffic finally began to move, Berger escorted the couple back to their car, from where Cruze was taken directly to hospital.

While the boy made a full recovery after spending several days in hospital, doctors feared the outcome may have been far worse had he not spent that time in Berger's cab.

While Debra had not exchanged details with Berger at the time, a social media search eventually put the two in contact so she could thank him for his potentially life-saving efforts.

The Managing Director of Bridgestone Australia, Andrew Moffatt, summed up the essence of the award.

"The Bridgestone Bandag Highway Guardian Award recognises truck drivers who go out of their way to help others and make the road a safer place to be," he said.

"Worthy candidates don't necessarily need to put their lives on the line – they just have to show consideration for the needs of others. Our newest Highway Guardian did just that.

"Phil Berger showed genuine consideration for two complete strangers and his actions helped save a little boy's life."

Berger follows in the tracks of previously lauded truckies Brad Morrison and Lou Morunga, who were named as the first two recipients of the perpetual award last year.

Mr Berger said the attention was a little overwhelming.

"If there's someone in need, I'm always going to pull over," he said.

"That's just what we do.

"There wouldn't be a trucker I know who wouldn't have done the same thing. I'm sure if my family was in the same situation, there'd be a bloke or lady there to help out.

"I got him a little truck with a fuel tanker for Christmas – his mum said that if he hadn't been so sick, Cruz would have been really excited about being in the cab of a big truck."

ATA Chair Noelene Watson said Berger's actions typified the big heart of the Australian trucking industry.

"Trucks and truck drivers play a huge role in communities right across Australia," she said.

"As professional drivers, they take great pride not only in the safe delivery of their goods, but also in caring for those who share the road with them.

"That's exactly what Phil has done. By taking the time to notice others in need, and going out of his way to provide assistance, he made a huge difference to a young child and mother in a difficult situation."

A potential candidate for a Bridgestone Bandag Highway Guardian Award can be nominated any time by emailing ata@truck.net.au. For more information about the award visit www.highwayguardian.com.au.