Truck drivers are known for their willingness to sacrifice their safety and comfort for others, earning them the recognition of Highway Angel whenever they commit acts of courage while on the road. The Truckload Carriers Association (TCA) announced 2022’s Highway Angel of the Year on March 6.
Zach Yeakley, a CFI driver from Batesville, Arkansas, was traveling on his route to West Memphis, Arkansas in March 2022 when his CB radio alerted him of a crash further up on the road. When Yeakley approached the scene he began to notice smoke as well as a man flagging down traffic, despite the foggy conditions reducing the driver’s visibility.
Yeakley had trained as a combat lifesaver with the Army National Guard and did not hesitate to pull over and assist victims in the chain-reaction nearly 50-vehicle crash which had caught fire, adding to the danger.
“Some people had some broken arms, one had a collapsed lung and a few broken ribs from the impact,” Yeakley said. “There was one guy trapped in his truck. Me, a sheriff, a state trooper, and a FedEx driver did what we could to get him out.”
Yeakley managed to rescue six victims from several different vehicles that were involved in the wreckage. He credits his military training for prepping him and giving him the skills needed to step in and help. He also said he would not hesitate to do it all over again.
His acts of great courage, sacrifice, and selflessness were rewarded by his recognition as a TCA Highway Angel, a tradition that has been running since 1997. At the Highway Angel award presentation on March 6 he was also presented with a personalized crystal truck by EpicVue CEO Lance Platt.
Source: Land Line
