Potsdam, Ohio — Joshua Day, an experienced driver for ABF Freight, has been officially named a Highway Angel by the Truckload Carriers Association (TCA). The honor recognizes Day’s decisive actions on June 13, 2023, when he stopped his tractor-trailer on Interstate 75 in London, Kentucky, to rescue a motorist from a severe multi-vehicle rollover. Day, based in Fort Smith, Arkansas, was the initial responder to the crash before local police arrived, prioritizing the immediate safety of the injured driver.

The incident occurred around 12:20 p.m. as Day traveled in the right lane past the town of London. A pickup truck towing a camper in the left lane suddenly lost control, crossed two lanes of traffic, and rolled four times directly in front of Day’s rig. The force of the collision left the pickup driver dazed and trapped, with propane tanks leaking from the damaged camper. Day’s quick response to the chaotic scene prevented a potential secondary collision and ensured the injured party received immediate aid. His actions reflect the high standard of situational awareness expected of professional long-haul drivers.

Day, who has held a commercial driver’s license for 13 years, described the moment as one driven by basic human instinct. “He lost control of his truck and his camper and turned his truck and camper over in front of the semi that I was driving,” Day recalled. “I did everything I could do to avoid hitting him—thank God I didn’t hit him.” After safely pulling over, Day contacted 911 and assisted the confused driver out of the wreckage. London Police Department officers arrived shortly after to secure the scene, while cleanup crews managed the escaping propane gas. The TCA’s Highway Angel program specifically highlights these moments where drivers go beyond their contractual duties to protect lives on the highway.

What This Means for Drivers

For CDL-A drivers and owner-operators, this case reinforces the operational importance of maintaining a safe following distance and scanning multiple lanes ahead. Day’s ability to avoid the flipping vehicle was a testament to defensive driving habits that every OTR truck driver must maintain. Fleet managers at major trucking companies hiring for long-haul positions often prioritize candidates who demonstrate this level of spatial awareness. While FMCSA regulations set the baseline for safety, the Highway Angel award highlights the discretionary judgment drivers use to protect others in unpredictable situations. Recognitions like this also boost morale within the 500+ top US carriers that value a strong safety culture.

Industry Reaction

The Truckload Carriers Association established the Highway Angel program to formally acknowledge acts of heroism that do not always receive public attention. By naming Day, the TCA signals to the broader industry that professional drivers are viewed as essential community protectors, not just cargo movers. This recognition supports the narrative that the trucking sector is filled with individuals committed to public safety. For those searching for truck driver jobs, such stories serve as a reminder of the respect that comes with the profession. The program encourages peers to report similar acts, fostering a network of support among drivers who spend long hours on the road.

Key Points

• Joshua Day, an ABF Freight driver, was named a TCA Highway Angel for his actions in London, Kentucky.
• The rescue occurred on June 13, 2023, when a pickup and camper flipped four times on Interstate 75.
• Day safely extracted the injured driver and managed the scene until police and propane cleanup crews arrived.
• The TCA uses the Highway Angel award to highlight the critical role of professional drivers in public safety.

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