Knight of the Road: Driver rescues family in 14-degree weather

Updated Feb 27, 2015

Robert Sutton braved icy, 14-degree temperatures in December 2013 to help save a family of four after they crashed on I-84. For his actions, he was named a Knight of the Road by Overdrive. Here’s his story:

Robert Sutton, driving for ABF Freight Systems out of Ft. Smith, Ark., is on I-84 near Pendleton, Ore., when a pickup pulling a trailer passes him on the icy road. Moments later, the driver loses control!Robert Sutton, driving for ABF Freight Systems out of Ft. Smith, Ark., is on I-84 near Pendleton, Ore., when a pickup pulling a trailer passes him on the icy road. Moments later, the driver loses control!

 

Sutton threads his way through the wreckage of the overturned pickup before stopping. As he rushes back to help, he nearly trips over a girl lying in the snow!Sutton threads his way through the wreckage of the overturned pickup before stopping. As he rushes back to help, he nearly trips over a girl lying in the snow!

 

Sutton wraps the girl in this jacket and continues to the pickup to clear out snow blocking the passenger-side window…Sutton wraps the girl in this jacket and continues to the pickup to clear out snow blocking the passenger-side window…

 

…And evacuates the three dazed, bleeding family members from the smoking vehicle!…And evacuates the three dazed, bleeding family members from the smoking vehicle!

 

With the family back in his truck, Sutton calls 911 and they wait for emergency personnel.With the family back in his truck, Sutton calls 911 and they wait for emergency personnel.

 

Robert Sutton, of Meridian, Idaho, was named a Truckload Carriers Association Highway Angel. Overdrive honors Sutton as a Knight of the Road.Robert Sutton, of Meridian, Idaho, was named a Truckload Carriers Association Highway Angel. Overdrive honors Sutton as a Knight of the Road.
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