BATESVILLE, AR — The Truckload Carriers Association officially recognized CFI driver Zach Yeakley as the 2022 Highway Angel of the Year during a ceremony held on March 6. Yeakley, an Arkansas-based professional, earned the distinction for his life-saving response to a massive, 50-vehicle pileup that occurred in March 2022 on a fog-shrouded stretch of highway near West Memphis.

Professional drivers often serve as the first line of defense during highway emergencies, a reality that makes the Highway Angel program a vital part of the industry's culture since its 1997 inception. When Yeakley received word of the chain-reaction crash over his CB radio, he did not hesitate to pull over despite the hazardous low-visibility conditions. Drawing on his experience as a combat lifesaver in the Army National Guard, he moved into the wreckage to extract victims from burning vehicles while coordinating with law enforcement and other responding motorists.

Yeakley's actions saved six individuals who were trapped in the wreckage, including a driver pinned inside a cab that had caught fire. He worked alongside a sheriff, a state trooper, and a FedEx driver to pull survivors from the chaos, treating injuries ranging from broken ribs to collapsed lungs. EpicVue CEO Lance Platt presented Yeakley with a personalized crystal truck during the award presentation to commemorate his commitment to the safety of fellow motorists.

What This Means for Drivers

This incident highlights why military veterans often transition so effectively into CDL-A driver roles, as the high-pressure training translates directly to emergency roadside management. For any OTR truck driver, the ability to maintain situational awareness while monitoring CB communications can be the difference between a tragedy and a rescue. While the FMCSA regulations dictate strict hours of service and safety protocols, the Highway Angel program reminds us that the most important safety equipment in any rig is the driver's own judgment and willingness to act.

Industry Reaction

The trucking industry continues to prioritize the recognition of drivers who go above and beyond their basic duties to protect others on the road. By elevating stories like Yeakley’s, organizations like the TCA reinforce the image of the professional driver as an essential public servant. As trucking companies hiring new talent look for reliable, disciplined operators, these acts of courage remain the gold standard for professionalism in the freight sector.

Key Points

• Zach Yeakley rescued six people from a 50-vehicle pileup in March 2022.
• The rescue involved coordinating with law enforcement to extract a driver from a burning truck.
• Yeakley utilized his previous combat lifesaver training from the Army National Guard to triage injuries.
• The Highway Angel of the Year award has been a staple of the trucking industry since 1997.

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