On The Lookout For Heroes On The Highway

The hunt is on again for nominees for the Beaurepaires Highway Heroes award for 2002.

The award was initiated three years ago by Beaurepaires in association with the New Zealand Police, the Land Transport Safety Authority and New Zealand Trucking Magazine to recognize acts of bravery, heroic or humanitarian deeds performed by truck, bus or coach drivers during the course of their work.

“Any act of genuine benefit to others on the road will be considered,” Beaurepaires general manager, Wayne Johnstone, said.

“Professional truck, bus and coach drivers play a vital role in our community but are frequently the unsung heroes in helping other road users in distress, warning of dangers or assisting at accident scenes.

“Over the past three years we have received nominations for drivers who have performed all types of outstanding deeds which have assisted others. In some cases these actions have helped prevent accidents or in other cases a driver has acted as a good samaritan to someone needing roadside assistance”, he said.

“In the past many of the nominations have come from the Police because they attend or hear about incidents, but members of the public and work colleagues are also encouraged to make nominations.”

New Zealand Trucking magazine promotes the award throughout the year, following up on nominations to present the full story.

Nomination forms are available from all Beaurepaires stores, all their fleet trucks carry them, and there are forms in every Police Station and CVIU weigh station in the country. Online nominations can be made through the Beaurepaires website by following the link to Highway Heroes. Nominations can also be faxed to 04 384 5619, emailed to highway-heroes@xtra.co.nz or posted to P O Box 9368, Wellington.

The 2002 winner, who is selected by a panel of independent judges, will be announced shortly after the close off date of October 31 2002 and the award made prior to Christmas.

The winner will receive $5000 and the Beaurepaires Highway Hero Trophy, and the person who nominates the winner will receive a set of four car tyres, fitted and balanced.

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