What is it that gives truck drivers their trademark demeanor? I’m not talking that lane-hopping, bumper-riding, slow-as-molasses highway jockey image so often projected by the public. I’m talking the courteous truck driver, who not only shares the road but is often first to act when another motorist is in trouble.

I had the privilege of attending Goodyear’s Highway Hero ceremony at the Mid-America Trucking Show on Mar. 23, when the industry’s most selfless, caring individuals are honoured for acts of heroism over the past year. Though only one could emerge the victor, my hat goes off to each one of the four finalists: Douglas Crawford, Danny Wallen, Robert A. Starr and Michael Knott. Through their noble actions, drivers like these shine as a beacon not just for other truckers, but for all of us.

In my experience, such drivers are by no means an anomaly. Almost every time I speak with drivers at a truck stop, a few always seem to have some story of intrepid heroism. The sheer normalcy with which they spin their tales tells me that most consider such actions a standard, however infrequent, part of their job.

But it’s not just the literal life saving that gets me. It’s the small acts of courtesy which really put truck drivers in a category a cut above.

Early in November, I was travelling with my girlfriend, Jennifer, to interview Lee Howard of Inferno Kustom Werks, when Jennifer fell ill on the car ride up. I had okayed having her with me for the interview, but hadn’t intended arriving on Lee’s doorstep with a sicky in tow.

When we finally completed the nauseous three-hour trip to Coe Hill, Ont., Jennifer announced that she would just stay in the car while I completed the interview.

Lee’s wife Linda wouldn’t hear of it.

Not only was Jennifer brought inside, she was fed, given medication and wrapped in a blanket on Linda’s couch where she slept the afternoon away. I myself was treated to lunch and hot chocolate to compliment the unrivalled hospitality from my hosts. I was blown away. We left with a “to-go” care package not only feeling revitalized by the nourishment, but by the fact that good people still exist in this world.

Back in February, while interviewing for a recent Truck Stop Question, I ended up having lunch with Phil and Phyllis Jordan, a lovely couple running teams from Moose Jaw, Sask. Though we’d only just met outside the Husky Truck Stop that day, the Jordan’s were so warm and receptive, we ended our afternoon exchanging numbers and speaking like old friends. They even offered up their home should I find ever myself in Moose Jaw.

And just last week, while conducting a phone interview with Danny’s Custom Truck Fenders’ founder, Danny Campbell, I received a no-strings-attached offer to come and stay at their home in P.E.I. anytime I felt like visiting the East Coast. This from a man I’d know for all of 16 minutes!

These offers join numerous others from drivers who have offered me a spare room. Countless others have graciously offered their passenger seat to me should I ever want to ride along. Even when I’m driving on the highway, truck drivers always seem to be the first ones to pull over if another motorist ever needs a helping hand.

So what is it that gives truck drivers this generous spirit? Perhaps long, lonely hours on the highway have given them a greater appreciation for human interaction. Maybe meeting people from all walks off life while travelling across the country has made them realize how similar we are, rather than how different.

Regardless, I am constantly amazed at the number of drivers who show such graciousness, generosity and valour on a daily basis. I can only hope that one day the general public will return the favour.