WINNIPEG, Man. — Manitoba’s Drivers of the Month for the second quarter of 2006 were recognized by the Manitoba Trucking Association (MTA) at an Awards reception on Aug. 25.

Driver of the Month Awards recognize professional drivers whose careers demonstrate excellent driving skills, exemplary safety records, outstanding customer service and a dedication to the profession.

The three drivers honoured last week together have contributed more than 75 years and 6,500,000 kilometres to the driving profession and the motor transport industry.

Driver of the Month for April is Dave Wasylciw, a professional driver for 25 years. During that time Wasylciw has driven more than 2,020,000 accident-free kilometres in northwestern Manitoba and northeastern Saskatchewan. The Flin Flon resident drives for Gardewine North.

May’s Driver of the Month is Murray Giesbrecht. During his 19 years as a professional driver, Giesbrecht has logged more than 3,800,000 highway kilometres, all accident-free. He drives for Penner International and lives in Mitchell.

Taking the June honours for Driver of the Month is another Gardewine North employee, Ric Byckal. The Dauphin resident, a professional driver for 31 years, has driven 620,000 rural Manitoba kilometres with only one preventable accident in all that time.

MTA’s Driver of the Month awards have recognized outstanding Manitoba drivers since 1979.