A local delivery driver for Bayswater Mitre 10 has received national recognition and the title of Bridgestone Bandag Highway Guardian for his role in helping remove a toddler from a crash site in February.

Dave Lynch was travelling on the Warburton Highway in Melbourne when a three-car smash happened in front of him, forcing him to take evasive action to avoid the collision.

After coming to a stop, Mr Lynch noticed one of the cars had a distraught toddler and injured mother in it, and he immediately came to their aid in helping free the toddler and keeping him safe until paramedics arrived.

The Bridgestone Bandag Highway Guardian honour was presented to Mr Lynch yesterday by Australian Trucking Association Safety, Health and Wellbeing Director Melissa Weller, Bridgestone Commercial Manager – Victoria/Tasmania, Steve Gleeson and Bayswater Mitre 10 Manager Michael Vanderkolk, at a ceremony at the Mitre 10 store.

"Dave Lynch displayed the skill professional truck drivers need to have by ensuring his truck didn't make a terrible situation worse, and then showed his true character by coming to the aid of those in need," said Australian Trucking Association Chairman, Geoff Crouch.

"It's fitting for Dave Lynch to be presented with the Bridgestone Bandag Highway Guardian accolade. Anytime a child is involved in a crash there is even more importance on having a hero there to keep them free from danger and be a calming influence, and Dave Lynch was that family's highway guardian that day."

In his 12 years working for Bayswater Mitre 10, Mr Lynch has always been described as a safety focussed driver, reliable, helpful and often requested by customers because of his professionalism.

According to Bridgestone Australia & New Zealand Managing Director, Stephen Roche, Mr Lynch displays all the qualities of an unsung hero.

"We congratulate Dave Lynch on being named a Bridgestone Bandag Highway Guardian. His assistance at the crash site has left an everlasting impression on that family, and would have made that traumatic experience easier on both the child and his mother," Mr Roche said.

"Dave Lynch won't identify himself as a hero, but his actions say otherwise. He went above and beyond that day to give back to his community and those in need and we're delighted to recognise him with the deserved Bridgestone Bandag Highway Guardian title."

The Bridgestone Bandag Highway Guardian accolade is presented by the Australian Trucking Association and recognises professional truck drivers in performing heroic and selfless acts while carrying out their normal role. Dave Lynch is the fourth driver to be named a Bridgestone Bandag Highway Guardian in 2019.

Bridgestone's ongoing patronage of the award is part of the leading tyre company's commitment to supporting people and communities as part of its global 'Our Way to Serve' social responsibility initiative.

For more information about the accolade, or to nominate a Bridgestone Bandag Highway Guardian, visit the ATA website.

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