Most drivers have seen close calls out on the road or at a shipper, but now and then, someone steps in and makes all the difference. That’s exactly what happened when John Bradley, a driver for James River Carriers out of Richmond, Virginia, wound up in the right place at the right time.
The Truckload Carriers Association has recognized Bradley as a TCA Highway Angel after he stepped in during a medical emergency involving another trucker. The situation unfolded the morning of Sept. 15 at a customer yard in Richmond.
Bradley first noticed another company driver trying to hook up to the wrong trailer. He gave the guy a hand getting lined up with the right one, but something still didn’t seem right. The air lines hadn’t been secured, and as the other driver climbed into the cab, Bradley saw him slump over the wheel while the truck inched forward.
“I called 911,” said Bradley. “I couldn’t leave him because I knew something was wrong.”
Bradley didn’t wait around. He got in front of the truck to stop traffic, climbed inside, and brought it to a stop before anything worse could happen. He stayed with the other driver until emergency crews arrived and made sure he got medical help.
Turns out the trucker was dealing with a blood sugar issue. “I’m glad he was alright,” says Bradley. “I stayed with him until the ambulance came.”
TCA launched its Highway Angel program back in 1997, and close to 1,500 drivers have been honored since then for acts of courage, quick thinking, and kindness on the road. The program is supported by EpicVue, DriverFacts, and Northland Insurance.
Bradley’s actions are a reminder that while most people don’t see what drivers deal with day to day, truckers still look out for each other when it counts.
Source: TCA, Truckers News
