The Truckload Carriers Association (TCA) has added Bryan Blair to its roster of Highway Angels ” professional truck drivers who have gone above and beyond to help fellow motorists while out on the road. Blair, who is from Bardstown, Ky., drives for Pegasus Transportation of Louisville, Ky.
On May 26, at around 11 p.m., Blair was driving on the ramp from 265-S onto 65-S. In front of him was a flatbed hauling a huge coil of steel. When the driver took the turn too quickly, his load shifted, causing the chains to snap. The coil rolled off, and the entire vehicle flipped over.
Blair pulled to the side, called 911, got his flashlight and went to check on the driver. He was conscious, but injured, and his vehicle was leaking diesel fuel. Blair pried open the door and pulled the injured man out of his truck to safety, staying with him until emergency personnel arrived.
Flatbeds can be dangerous because you can’t get the exact center of gravity sometimes, said Blair, who has driven trucks for about seven years. I’d help anyone; it’s just the way I am. If something would have happened [to ignite the diesel fuel], he needed to be out of the way.
- More about the Truckload Carriers Association at CDL Life.
- More about the TCA Highway Angel Award at CDL Life.
- More about highway safety at CDL Life.
For his efforts that day, Blair has received a Highway Angel lapel pin, certificate, and patch. Pegasus Transportation also received a certificate acknowledging that one of its drivers is a Highway Angel.
Since its inception in August 1997, the Highway Angels program has recognized hundreds of drivers for the unusual kindness, courtesy, and courage they have shown others while on the job. TCA has received letters and e-mails from people across North America nominating truck drivers for the program.
To learn more about the program or to nominate a truck driver, go to www.truckload.org/highway-angel.