A brave truck driver that helped save 6 lives on the road has been recognized for his heroics.
According to truckload.org, the Truckload Carriers Association (TCA) named Zach Yeakley as their 2022 Highway Angel of the Year. TCA’s Highway Angels is a program that recognizes truck drivers who demonstrate acts of kindness and heroism while on the road. To be honored by the Highway Angels program, a driver must be nominated by a member of the public, a fellow driver, or someone in the trucking industry.
Yeakley is a trucker from Missouri who came to the rescue of 6 people after a massive 45 vehicle wreck last March. Yeakley was on his way to West Memphis, Arkansas when he received news through the CB radio that a huge accident was ahead of him. When he got closer and saw just how bad the situation was, he parked his truck and took action.
“I went up there; they already had a couple people out. Some people had some broken arms, one had a collapsed lung, a few broken ribs from the impact,” he told TCA.
Yeakley was a member of the Army National Guard for 15 years before becoming a truck driver. His experience as a trained combat live saver helped him assess the situation and help direct paramedics where they needed to go.
“There was one guy trapped in his truck. So me, a sheriff, a state trooper, and a FedEx driver, we did what we could to get him out,” Yeakley said, as he remembered how he rushed to help save 6 people that day.
“Always be aware of your surroundings and help out as much as you can.”
Watch CFI’s video about Zach Yeakley below:
