Beaurepaires - 2008 Highway Hero

Gerald Phillips of Dynes Transport, Gore, was taking a load of pallets into Dunedin from Port Otago traveling in a line of traffic along the causeway in midwinter. A white, people mover coming the other way veered across the centre lane into the path of a Toyota Starlet ahead of Gerald’s truck and trailer.

The Starlet’s driver swung to the left, narrowly avoiding a head on crash, but rolled over the edge of the causeway and into the harbour.

Gerald braked his Kenworth as hard as he could in the wet conditions and also managed to avoid the people mover, which moved back into the correct lane and continued on its way.

Once stopped, Gerald went to the aid of the Starlet driver. The car was upside down in the water and the driver had not surfaced. He wrenched the door open and felt around in the murky water for the driver, who surfaced in the back seat.

Gerald managed to tilt a seat forward and help him out. After ensuring there was no-one else in the car he got him ashore and found a woolen jacket for him.

The driver was a young student, who said he had trouble freeing himself from the seatbelt while upside down underwater.

Gerald’s quick thinking and lack of concern for his own well being probably saved the student’s life.

Anyone can nominate a hero. Nomination forms are available from any Police Station or Beaurepaires store or by emailing highway-heroes@xtra.co.nz

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