Greeley, CO — Lamar Buckwalter, a professional trucker operating with Buckwalter Trucking LLC, earned the Truckload Carriers Association Highway Angel designation for his life-saving actions following a tanker rollover on April 2. Buckwalter witnessed the hazardous materials vehicle lose control and flip during a severe wind advisory on Route 34, prompting him to abandon his own rig to reach the trapped operator at 2 a.m.
High winds remain a constant threat to high-profile commercial vehicles, and the incident near Greeley serves as a stark reminder of the split-second decisions required on the road. When the tanker veered off the pavement and erupted into a cloud of debris, Buckwalter acted immediately. Upon reaching the cab, he found the driver conscious but terrified, shouting warnings about the volatile hazmat cargo before the victim lost consciousness. This level of situational awareness is exactly what industry leaders look for when evaluating candidates for top-tier CDL-A driver positions across the country.
The TCA recognized Buckwalter for his bravery, noting the immense risk involved in approaching a tanker leak in the middle of the night. While many would have retreated to wait for first responders, Buckwalter prioritized the life of a peer despite the potential for an explosion or chemical exposure. His actions reflect the core values of the profession, where the safety of fellow motorists often falls to the person behind the wheel.
What This Means for Drivers
Operating a heavy vehicle during a wind advisory requires strict adherence to speed management and load stability protocols. Professional drivers must understand that even a seasoned owner-operator can be pushed off the road by sudden gusts, especially when hauling liquid tankers with shifting centers of gravity. Drivers should always monitor local weather alerts and be prepared to park their rigs if conditions exceed safety thresholds, as no load is worth a life or a career-ending wreck.
Industry Reaction
The Truckload Carriers Association continues to highlight these acts of heroism to remind the public that the trucking industry is built on mutual support. While the public often focuses on FMCSA regulations and logistical delays, thousands of OTR truck driver professionals are out there daily looking out for one another in life-or-death scenarios. Recognition programs like the Highway Angel serve to elevate the reputation of the industry and demonstrate the character of the men and women currently working for trucking companies hiring nationwide.
Key Points
- Lamar Buckwalter was honored by the TCA for a rescue performed on April 2 near Greeley, Colorado.
- The incident occurred during a high-wind event that caused a tanker hauling hazardous materials to overturn.
- Buckwalter successfully made contact with the driver, who was initially trapped and shouting warnings about the hazmat load.
- The rescue effort took place at 2 a.m. while Buckwalter was traveling eastbound on Route 34.
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