Polk County, Tennessee — Jacob Picklesimer, a Resaca, Ga., driver for U.S. Xpress, was named a Highway Angel by the Truckload Carriers Association after he stopped his rig on July 26, 2023 to aid a seriously injured motorist stranded on a mountain pass.

The incident underscores a long‑standing expectation that professional drivers act as first responders when accidents occur on remote roads. Truckers often travel alone, yet their presence can mean the difference between life and death for motorists without cell service or roadside assistance. Picklesimer’s quick decision to pull over and offer help reflects the unwritten code that keeps highways safer for everyone, including OTR truck driver crews and owner‑operators who spend long hours far from help.

While hauling a load on Highway 64, Picklesimer spotted a lone figure perched on the white line near a sharp curve. The man had been in a rollover crash four hours earlier, his vehicle upside down in a ditch, his phone destroyed and his dog dead in the wreck. He managed to crawl out through the passenger window, but pain from possible broken ribs kept him seated on the roadside, shivering in the night. Picklesimer stopped about 50 yards away, approached the victim, and asked, “Are you OK?” He then handed over his own cell phone, allowing the injured driver to call his wife and father before dialing emergency services. The driver waited with the victim as ambulances navigated the winding pass, shielding him from speeding traffic until help arrived.

What This Means for Drivers

For CDL‑A drivers, the rescue highlights the practical value of keeping a functional phone and basic first‑aid supplies in the cab. It also reinforces the FMCSA regulations that require drivers to report accidents and render aid when safe to do so. Owner‑operators can use the story to justify investing in emergency kits that include blankets, bandages and a portable charger. Fleet managers at trucking companies hiring now may point to Picklesimer’s example when training new hires on roadside etiquette, emphasizing that a minute’s stop can save lives and protect a carrier’s reputation.

Industry Reaction

Carrier groups across the nation praised the Highway Angel award as a reminder that safety culture starts with individual actions. The Truckload Carriers Association noted that stories like Picklesimer’s inspire other drivers to act without hesitation. Industry analysts say the incident arrives at a time when trucking companies are aggressively recruiting, with many posting “truck driver jobs” and “OTR truck driver” openings on sites like ustrucker.info. The narrative of a driver stepping up reinforces the appeal of working for carriers that value community responsibility alongside competitive pay.

Key Points

• Jacob Picklesimer, a U.S. Xpress driver from Resaca, Ga., received the Highway Angel award from the TCA.
• The rescue occurred on July 26, 2023 on Highway 64 in Polk County, Tennessee.
• The victim had survived a rollover, lost his phone, and lost his dog in the crash.
• Picklesimer provided his phone, called an ambulance, and waited with the injured driver until help arrived.

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