CALGARY...The Alberta Motor Transport Association  (AMTA) has assembled the West's first team of road safety ambassadors called the AMTA Road Knights Team.  The team members were selected because of their collision-free driving record, commitment to safety and enthusiasm for the industry in which they have made their career.

AMTA Road Knights are professional transport drivers with flawless driving records who meet with community groups to share their knowledge about how to safely share the road with trucks. Their mission is to make our roadways safer by encouraging all road users to be partners in safety. The team also works to increase awareness of trucking's economic importance and to promote the industry as a viable career choice.

Over the next two years, the AMTA Road Knights will appear at driving schools, business clubs, high schools, social clubs and other public venues.

The 2011-2012 AMTA Road Knights are:

Robert Wells, Bison Transport, Calgary

Dennis Hokanson, Trimac Transportation, Edmonton

Craig Gavel, Bison Transport, Edmonton

Darwin Glenn Clark, Trimac Transportation, Edmonton

The selection panel included representatives from:  Alberta Transportation, Workers' Compensation Board, Calgary Police Service,  Corus Entertainment, Today's Trucking magazine, Truck West magazine and AMTA.

Candidates who were short listed for the program were required to deliver a well organized and clearly presented speech before the panel of judges, submit a detailed application outlining why they want to become a team member,  and participate in a rigorous interview.

Team members will now undergo training to help them further prepare for their role as industry ambassadors.