A professional truck driver’s quick decisions and calm response during a dangerous roadside emergency in Kansas have earned national recognition from the Truckload Carriers Association.
The Truckload Carriers Association has named Christopher Bishop, a professional driver for Hi Pro Inc., as a recipient of the TCA Highway Angel Award for his actions following a hit-and-run crash involving a motorcyclist in Wichita, Kansas.
Early Morning Emergency in Wichita
The incident happened in the early morning hours of Dec. 13 at approximately 2:15 a.m. CST. Bishop had just left his terminal and was heading to load at the Wichita USPS Processing and Distribution Center when he came upon a disturbing scene on a city roadway.
A motorcycle was lying in a ditch, and its rider was severely injured and positioned in the middle of the road.
“He was just lying in the middle of the road,” Bishop said. “I stopped, and the first thing that ran through my mind was that he was dead.”
Based on what Bishop observed and later camera footage, the motorcyclist appeared to have been struck by a sedan that fled the scene without stopping.
Protecting the Scene and the Victim
Without hesitation, Bishop activated his truck’s flashers and positioned his vehicle to block traffic, creating a barrier between the injured rider and oncoming vehicles. After checking the rider, Bishop realized the man was still alive.
Bishop immediately called 911 and stayed with the victim, keeping him conscious and monitoring his breathing while emergency responders were on the way.
“I kept him talking as much as I could,” Bishop said. “Not long after that, an ambulance and police showed up.”
Emergency crews arrived roughly seven minutes later.
Critical Actions in Dangerous Conditions
Bishop’s actions were especially important given the cold December temperatures and the risks associated with a dark roadway in the early morning hours. By blocking traffic and staying with the injured motorcyclist, Bishop helped prevent further injuries, exposure to the cold, or the possibility of another vehicle striking the victim.
“Sometimes you have to actively be the change you want to see in the world,” he said.
Bishop later expressed disbelief that the driver responsible for the crash failed to stop.
“They didn’t stop; I couldn’t imagine doing that to someone and not stopping to check on him — that’s crazy,” he said.
Recognition From the Truckload Carriers Association
The TCA Highway Angel Award recognizes professional truck drivers who demonstrate extraordinary kindness, courage, and professionalism while on the road. Since the program began in August 1997, nearly 1,500 drivers have been honored for actions that go beyond the job description.
The Highway Angel program is made possible through the support of presenting sponsor EpicVue and supporting sponsors DriverFacts and Northland Insurance.
More information about the TCA Highway Angel program and nomination details is available at the TCA Highway Angel website.
Source: Truckers News
