WINDSOR, Ont. — Ryder System Inc. has named Randy Middleton as its Canadian Corporate Driver of the Year.

One of the company’s most prestigious recognition programs, the Driver of the Year award honors professional drivers who demonstrate exemplary safety performance, customer service and citizenship throughout their careers.

Middleton, who works for the General Motors customer account out of the Ryder Windsor location, has been driving with Ryder since 1996 and has accumulated more than 3.5 million miles over his 23-year driving career while consistently receiving safety awards. He reached half a million accident-free miles in 2005.

“Randy is a dedicated professional driver who puts safety first,” said Jim Smith, logistics manager for Ryder Canada. “He is thorough, possesses an exemplary safety record and is an outstanding driver in all kinds of weather and driving conditions. Randy is an asset to the Ryder Team.”

In addition to these multiple achievements, Middleton was the first on the scene of a major collision on highway 401 where he assisted in slowing down traffic, was instrumental in administering first aid to multiple victims and contacting the authorities. His efforts have gone above and beyond the call of duty and demonstrate his dedication to safety and the community, says Ryder.