Canuck hero among North America’s finest

AKRON, Ohio – A Canadian trucker who died avoiding an accident has been named as a finalist for Goodyear’s 25th annual North America Highway Hero Award. It’s one of truck driving’s most prestigious honors.

You’ll probably remember the story of David Virgoe, of Innisfil, Ont., a driver for Wilburn Archer Trucking, of Norwood, Ont. He was northbound on 400 south of Barrie last June when he swerved his empty tanker truck to avoid three cars weaving in and out of traffic.

Virgoe, who had been cut off by one the street-racing cars, was forced to drive his truck into the median guardrail and then he made a split-second decision.

Rather than allow his truck to slam into oncoming traffic across the median, he swerved to the right, crossed the highway and drove into a ditch along the right side of the road.

An air ambulance was called, but Virgoe, 48, died before he could be transported. In his quick selfless reaction, Virgoe was hailed as a hero by witnesses and Ontario police, who said his actions helped to save the lives of countless others.

Three men were arrested for dangerous driving resulting in death.

Virgoe left his wife Debbie, three children and five grandchildren.

The other three finalists the highway hero Award, which will be handed out at the Mid American Trucking Show in Louisville Ky., next month, include two drivers who dove into chilly, murky waters to pull victims to safety in separate incidents; and a New Mexico driver who rescued a pregnant woman from a brutal attack after she was run over by her boyfriend’s truck.

“Each year, we are amazed by truck drivers from the United States and Canada, who put their lives on the line to help others. On this 25th anniversary of the Goodyear Highway Hero program, we truly are in awe of these brave men and women who travel our highways,” says Steve McClellan, vice president for commercial tire systems for The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company.

“This year, we are honoring one driver posthumously, and our thoughts and prayers go out to his family as well as those of the victims who lost their lives on North American roads and highways.

“Time and again, truck drivers have emerged as bona fide heroes. When motorists needed help, they’ve stopped and put themselves in harm’s way,” McClellan said.

Journalists from the trucking industry are now voting on the four finalists and the winner will honored at a banquet and presented with a $10,000 U.S. Savings Bond, a plaque and a specially designed ring; the other finalists will receive a $5,000 U.S. Savings Bond and plaque.

Founded by Goodyear in 1983, the Highway Hero program recognizes professional truck drivers and the often unnoticed, life-saving rescues and roadside assistance they provide as their jobs take them across North America.