Ashland, Va — On June 21, 2022, Corey Parker, a veteran truck driver from Kenansville, North Carolina, was recognized as a Highway Angel after he stopped a potentially fatal overdose on Interstate 64 south of Ashland, Virginia.
The Highway Angel program, run by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, honors motorists who intervene in life‑threatening situations on the road. For truckers, whose rigs dominate the nation’s highways, the award underscores a long‑standing, unofficial duty: to be the first responders when accidents or medical crises occur far from the nearest hospital.
According to Parker’s own account, a Lexus was weaving erratically, slamming into a concrete barrier, then veering back into traffic before striking the barrier again. "They smacked the barrier again and then went out to the middle of the road and then in and smacked the barrier again. I thought, something’s definitely going on," Parker recalled. He eased his own tractor‑trailer to a crawl of roughly 10‑15 mph, positioned it in front of the stricken vehicle, and leapt from the cab. Inside the Lexus, the driver lay unconscious, a Narcan pen clutched in his lap. Police arrived within minutes, took control of the scene, and later confirmed that Parker’s intervention likely saved the driver’s life. The Lexus owner has since thanked Parker personally and is now working with him to enter a rehabilitation program.
What This Means for Drivers
For CDL‑A drivers and owner‑operators, Parker’s actions reinforce the importance of staying alert to abnormal vehicle behavior and being prepared to act. Carrying emergency medical supplies such as naloxone (Narcan) can turn a routine haul into a life‑saving mission. Fleet managers are reminded to include first‑aid kits and training in their safety protocols, aligning with FMCSA regulations that encourage driver health and safety initiatives. OTR truck drivers who spend long hours on isolated stretches of highway now have a concrete example of how a quick stop can protect both a fellow motorist and the driver’s own reputation.
Industry Reaction
The broader trucking community has lauded Parker’s bravery, noting that stories like his are becoming more common as opioid overdoses rise across the United States. Industry groups such as the Owner‑Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) have called for expanded access to naloxone on all commercial trucks, arguing that the cost is minimal compared to the potential to save lives. Meanwhile, trucking companies that are actively hiring are emphasizing safety culture in recruitment ads, promising new hires—whether they are seeking truck driver jobs, OTR truck driver positions, or owner‑operator contracts—that they will receive regular safety briefings and emergency‑response training.
Key Points
- Corey Parker, a Kenansville, NC driver, received the Highway Angel award for intervening in a June 21, 2022 overdose on I‑64 near Ashland, VA.
- Parker slowed his rig to 10‑15 mph, positioned it safely, and rescued an unconscious Lexus driver holding a Narcan pen.
- The incident highlights the growing need for naloxone kits on commercial trucks, a topic gaining traction among OOIDA and FMCSA safety advocates.
- Trucking companies hiring now stress safety training, emergency‑response readiness, and support for CDL‑A drivers and owner‑operators.
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