TCA salutes Highway Angel

July 29, 2002
The Truckload Carriers Association (TCA) recognized Heartland Express driver Freddie Dean of Greenville, OH, as a Highway Angel. Dean was traveling in weekday morning commuter traffic on Interstate 75 in Georgia, just outside of Chattanooga, TN, when a dense fog rolled in. According to news reports, the fog had caused a 125-car pileup, resulting in five deaths and 39 injuries. Dean managed to pull

The Truckload Carriers Association (TCA) recognized Heartland Express driver Freddie Dean of Greenville, OH, as a Highway Angel.

Dean was traveling in weekday morning commuter traffic on Interstate 75 in Georgia, just outside of Chattanooga, TN, when a dense fog rolled in. According to news reports, the fog had caused a 125-car pileup, resulting in five deaths and 39 injuries.

Dean managed to pull his rig toward the berm and enough away from the road to avoid getting hit from behind by two UPS doubles in the left-hand lane. He got on his CB and warned other truckers of the fog, which most likely prevented further accidents.

According to TCA, Dean spent the next two hours searching for motorists in need. In the process, he extinguished a car fire and helped passengers out of vehicles.

About the Author

Tim Parry

Tim Parry is a former FleetOwner editor. 

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