‘Heroic’ driver picks up Trakm8 safety award

A delivery driver for LKQ Euro Car Parts has won the Trakm8 Road Safety Hero Award after saving a young couple from a submerged vehicle.

Gary Nicol (pictured) spotted an upturned vehicle submerged in water, while carrying out his usual internal branch-to-branch deliveries.

After summoning some passers-by to help, he led efforts to free the couple who were trapped inside. They first went to the female passenger, believing her to be in the driver’s seat due to the angle of the car. Having managed to lift her above the waterline, ensuring she could breathe, Nicol then turned his attention to the driver’s side. The driver was trapped in the vehicle because of his seat belt, but some quick thinking from Nicol saw him use the penknife of a bystander to cut him free.

Nicol said: “I just did what I think anyone else would have done. When I saw the car in the water, my adrenaline kicked in and I knew I had to help - I didn’t really think about doing anything else. I’m just very glad that they both got out ok and that I was in the right place at the right time. Anything else just doesn’t bear thinking about.”

A long-time supporter of Brake, Trakm8 marked 2021’s Road Safety Week with the launch of a nationwide search for Britain’s ‘Road Safety Hero’.

Jim Hill, group marketing director, at Trakm8, said: “Gary’s story really personifies why we launched the Road Safety Hero Award. We were all blown away by his bravery and quick-thinking – he’s a real credit to LKQ Euro Car Parts and the wider fleet industry.”

Alongside his award, Gary has also won a one-night luxury London break, with a view from The Shard and a three-course meal at Marco Pierre White’s restaurant.