A brave driver for LKQ Euro Car Parts, who saved a young couple from a submerged vehicle, has taken Trakm8’s Road Safety Hero Award.
Gary Nicol was waiting at traffic lights while carrying out his usual internal branch-to-branch deliveries when he noticed a car travelling at speed across the junction. Moments later, he spotted a flipped vehicle submerged in water down the embankment. Initially thinking that the vehicle had perhaps been there overnight, Nicol realised the engine was still running and rushed to the scene.
After summoning some passers-by to help, he led the 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 Gary saw him use the penknife of a bystander to cut him free.
Speaking of the rescue, 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.”
His lifesaving actions have seen him take Trakm8’s ‘Road Safety Hero’ award, launched late 2021 to mark Brake’s Road Safety Week as part of the vehicle technology solutions provider’s ongoing support for the initiative.
Jim Hill, group marketing director at Trakm8, added: “When we set up the Trakm8 Road Safety Hero award with Brake, we were inundated with great entries.
“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, Nicol has also won a one-night luxury London break, with a view from The Shard and a three-course meal at Marco Pierre Whites restaurant.
