Mitre 10 driver’s compassion, skill and professionalism highlighted
A Melbourne delivery driver for Bayswater Mitre 10 has received national recognition and the title of Bridgestone Bandag Highway Guardian for his role in helping rescue a toddler from a crash site in February.
Dave Lynch was travelling on the Warburton Highway when a three-car crash occurred in front of him, forcing him to take evasive action to avoid the collision.
After coming to a stop, Lynch noticed one of the cars had a distraught toddler and injured mother in it.
He came to their aid immediately, helping free the toddler and keeping him safe until paramedics arrived.
The Bridgestone Bandag Highway Guardian honour was presented to Lynch yesterday by Australian Trucking Association (ATA) safety, health and wellbeing director Melissa Weller, Bridgestone commercial manager – Victoria/Tasmania Steve Gleeson and Bayswater Mitre 10 manager Michael Vanderkolk, at a ceremony at the Mitre 10 store.
Read about a Linfox driver’s heroics that led to his award, here
“Dave Lynch displayed the skill professional truck drivers need to have by ensuring his truck didn’t make a terrible situation worse, and then showed his true character by coming to the aid of those in need,” ATA chair Geoff Crouch.
“It’s fitting for Dave Lynch to be presented with the Bridgestone Bandag Highway Guardian accolade. Anytime a child is involved in a crash there is even more importance on having a hero there to keep them free from danger and be a calming influence, and Dave Lynch was that family’s highway guardian that day.”
In his 12 years working for Bayswater Mitre 10, Lynch has always been described as a safety focused driver, reliable, helpful and often requested by customers because of his professionalism.
According to Bridgestone Australia & New Zealand MD Stephen Roche, Lynch displays all the qualities of an unsung hero.
“We congratulate Dave Lynch on being named a Bridgestone Bandag Highway Guardian. His assistance at the crash site has left an everlasting impression on that family, and would have made that traumatic experience easier on both the child and his mother,” Roche says.
“Dave Lynch won’t identify himself as a hero, but his actions say otherwise.
“He went above and beyond that day to give back to his community and those in need and we’re delighted to recognise him with the deserved Bridgestone Bandag Highway Guardian title.”
The Bridgestone Bandag Highway Guardian accolade recognises professional truck drivers in performing heroic and selfless acts while carrying out their normal role.
Lynch is the fourth driver to be named a Bridgestone Bandag Highway Guardian this year.
Bridgestone’s ongoing patronage of the award is part of the leading tyre company’s commitment to supporting people and communities as part of its global ‘Our Way to Serve’ social responsibility initiative.
For more information about the accolade, or to nominate a Bridgestone Bandag Highway Guardian, visit the ATA website.