TORONTO, Ont. — Luke Langlois, a driver with Kriska Transportation, was named the 2008 Ontario Truck Driver of the Year yesterday at the Ontario Trucking Association’s annual convention here.

The driver, who has racked up two million collision-free miles in his 20-year driving career, was presented with the OTA/Volvo Trucks Canada Driver of the Year award during a luncheon yesterday. He received a trophy, cash prize and a trip to the OTA convention.

“Truck driving is not a job; it’s a lifestyle,” an appreciative Langlois said. “Truck driving has provided me with a great life. It is an honour to encourage highway safety and treat people the way I would like to be treated. For me it’s about being happy, enjoying the journey and being the best you can be.”

“Luke Langlois exemplifies qualities of a professional truck driver both on and off the road,”  added OTA president David Bradley. “It is a great honour to present him with this prestigious award in recognition of his achievement.”

In addition to his safe driving record, Langlois has helped out at accident scenes many times. Just this past January, Langlois helped rescue a driver from his rig after it was blown over onto its side on the Johnstown, Ont./Ogdensburg, N.Y. International Bridge during a wind storm

Langlois lives in Brockville, Ont. With his wife Claudia who also happens to drive team with him.