The Truckload Carriers Association (TCA) has honored Timothy Olden, a truck driver from North Chesterfield, Vir., as a TCA Highway Angel. Olden, affiliated with Decker Truck Line in Fort Dodge, Iowa, received this recognition for his quick response in aiding a fellow driver who had fallen asleep at the wheel and crashed.
The incident occurred around 2:30 a.m. on December 22, 2023, as Olden was traveling along Interstate 40 near mile marker 319 in Crossville, Tenn. He was a firsthand witness to a flatbed abruptly veering off the offramp, crashing and rolling, before it ended up lying on the driver’s side.
Olden did not hesitate to act despite the early morning hour and unexpected crash. He promptly pulled over, dialed 911 and emergency services, and then approached the rolled flatbed.
“He rolled his truck,” Olden said. “He admitted to me and to the cops that he fell asleep.”
Olden helped the driver safely exit the overturned trailer despite it being laid on its driver’s side.
Despite suffering minor injuries like cuts and bruises, the driver was fortunate. Olden stayed with the injured driver until law enforcement arrived, offering valuable advice, including the “Three Yawn Rule.”
“If you yawn three times in a row, get to a truck stop and rest,” he said. “Go stretch out in the back of the truck.”
Since its launch in August 1997, the TCA Highway Angels program has recognized nearly 1,400 professional truck drivers for their outstanding kindness, courtesy, and courage demonstrated while on the job. To learn more about the TCA Highway Angels program, click here.
Source: The Trucker
