Iowa Falls, Iowa — Thaddeus Paulson, a Halvor Lines driver from Duluth, Minnesota, was presented with the Highway Angel award by the Truckload Carriers Association after he rescued a man and his grandfather from a Chevrolet Silverado that slid into a ditch on a black‑ice‑covered stretch of Highway 20 on December 23, 2022.

The incident underscores how everyday truck drivers serve as first responders on remote highways. When a vehicle loses traction in winter weather, the nearest qualified driver often becomes the only lifeline for stranded motorists. Paulson’s quick decision to pull over and assess the scene prevented a potentially fatal outcome and illustrates why carriers stress emergency‑procedure training for every CDL‑A driver.

According to the award citation, Paulson found the Silverado upside down, its occupants trapped inside a vehicle that had plunged into a shallow ditch. The driver explained they were en route to a hospital because the grandfather, an 80‑year‑old with a history of heart problems, was feeling ill. Snow piled waist‑deep around the wreck, and Paulson later said the depth of the drift likely saved the occupants from being crushed. He lifted the elderly passenger, whose injuries left him unable to walk, and carried him up the hill to a heated truck while blood soaked the man's shirt. When emergency personnel arrived, Paulson offered dash‑cam footage to the responding officer, then resumed his own route.

What This Means for Drivers

First‑hand rescues like Paulson’s reinforce the need for every owner‑operator and OTR truck driver to keep a well‑stocked emergency kit, including blankets, a first‑aid kit, and a reliable communication device. Second, the incident highlights the value of dash‑cam recordings; footage can expedite police investigations and support insurance claims. Third, carriers are likely to reference this case during safety briefings, reminding drivers that vigilance on icy roadways can turn a routine haul into a life‑saving mission. Finally, the award signals that trucking companies and industry groups reward drivers who go beyond the call of duty, a point that can be leveraged in recruiting for truck driver jobs.

Industry Reaction

The Truckload Carriers Association praised Paulson’s actions as “a textbook example of the responsibility every professional driver carries.” Industry analysts note that such recognitions boost morale across fleets and provide tangible proof that safety culture extends beyond compliance with FMCSA regulations. Carrier executives have begun to cite the Highway Angel program in newsletters, encouraging drivers to document hazardous conditions and to assist motorists whenever safe to do so.

Key Points

• Thaddeus Paulson received the Highway Angel award on September 10, 2026.
• The rescue occurred on Dec. 23, 2022, on Highway 20 near Iowa Falls, Iowa.
• Paulson carried an 80‑year‑old man through waist‑deep snow to a heated vehicle before EMS arrived.
• Dash‑cam footage was offered to law enforcement, illustrating the practical use of onboard video.

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