WINNIPEG, Man. – With 36 years experience, and 4.2 million accident-free miles to his name, Edward Janzen has been named the 2002 CTA/Volvo Trucks Canada National Driver of the Year.

The Manitoba-based trucker was recognized at this year’s Manitoba Trucking Association (MTA) conference in Winnipeg.

Janzen has spent his entire driving career with Reimer Express Lines, and his route often takes him over some treacherous stretches of the Trans-Canada Hwy.

“Edward Janzen’s outstanding driving record, and his dedication to excellence, exemplify the commitment to road safety made by Canada’s professional truck drivers,” says David Bradley, chief executive officer of the Canadian Trucking Alliance. “But it is in the way he goes about his day-to-day work – both on and off the road – that makes him stand out.”

Janzen has helped other motorists in trouble on more than one occasion. In 1982, he rescued an elderly couple who were stranded on the side of the road and drove them all the way to their Winnipeg home.

Seven years later, Janzen freed two people from their vehicle after they were involved in a car accident.

He also helped free another driver from his vehicle after it flipped into a ditch in 1994.

At Reimer, Janzen takes an active role in safety initiatives and training new drivers, while teaching them the importance of representing their company with pride.

In his spare time, Janzen coaches sports such as hockey and baseball, and he is also heavily involved in church activities.

He lives in Elie, Man. with his wife Anne.

The conference wasn’t the first time Janzen has been recognized for his exceptional career. He has also received many other awards including: a two-million mile award; a 35-year service award; a 32-year safe driving award from Reimer; the Manitoba Driver of the Month award (two times); as well as the 2001 Manitoba Driver of the Year award.