Mark Campbell, an experienced professional driver from Jeffersonville, Indiana, has been celebrated for his remarkable bravery in aiding a fellow motorist after a severe accident. The Truckload Carriers Association (TCA) recently named Campbell a Highway Angel for his valiant efforts to rescue a truck driver whose vehicle had overturned.
Driving for ABF Freight, based in Fort Smith, Arkansas, Campbell’s selflessness during a critical moment has not gone unnoticed.
The Incident
On March 26, Campbell was traveling along Highway 31 in West Point, Kentucky, when he encountered the aftermath of a serious collision between a pickup truck and a dump truck. The impact caused the dump truck to roll onto its passenger side. Upon seeing the crash, Campbell stopped immediately to offer assistance.
According to Campbell, the situation was dire. He discovered the dump truck driver trapped inside the vehicle’s cab.
“He was too big to go through the windshield,” Campbell explained. “The guy was hurt; he was lying on the passenger door area there.”
Amid alarming signs of danger, including oil and coolant leaking from the truck and smoke rising from the engine, Campbell sprang into action. Concerned about the possibility of a fire, he quickly began planning the driver’s rescue.
The Rescue Effort
Campbell utilized an ABF strap to facilitate the rescue. He described how two other motorists who also stopped to assist coordinated their efforts to safely free the injured driver.
“We pulled him up on the side of the dump truck,” Campbell said, recounting the moments they worked together to save the man.
Fortunately, emergency services arrived shortly after and took control of the scene. The fire department addressed the safety hazards while ensuring the driver received the necessary care.
A Marine’s Sense of Duty
Campbell, a former Marine with 20 years of truck driving experience, demonstrated the courage and commitment to helping others that have defined his career. Reflecting on the experience, he humbly shared his motivation for stopping to help.
“If I can help people, I’ll jump out and try to help them,” he said. “I would hope if I was in that situation, they would stop to help me.”
Celebrating Everyday Heroes
The TCA’s Highway Angel program honors truck drivers like Mark Campbell, who go above and beyond to make a difference on the road. His actions are a powerful reminder of the compassion and bravery that many professional drivers bring to their critical role in society.
Source: Truckers News
Image Source: ABF
