Truck driver recognized for stopping to help stranded RV family

Updated Mar 7, 2019
Denny CattellDenny Cattell

Denny Cattell, a truck driver out of Altoona, Georgia, for Bennett International has been named a Highway Angel by the Truckload Carriers Association for stopping and assisting an elderly driver and family.

Cattell was driving along I-80 in Illinois on Aug. 1 when he witnessed an RV come upon a large tire retread in the middle of the highway. Due to traffic conditions, they were unable to avoid it, and the tire completely removed the RV’s exhaust system, stranding the family on the shoulder of the interstate.

The driver of the RV, a woman in her 80s, was struggling to push the damaged exhaust off to the side of the highway.

Cattell stopped and offered his assistance and told the driver the exhaust system could likely be repaired. At that point, an Illinois State Trooper arrived and diverted traffic to the left lanes while Cattell put the RV’s exhaust system on his truck. The family then followed him to a shop he found, then he made sure the shop could handle the repairs before leaving.

“She was quite thankful, and I was thankful no one got hurt,” Cattell said.

For his willingness to help, TCA awarded Cattell with a certificate, patch, lapel pin and truck decals. Bennett International also received a certificate acknowledging their driver as a Highway Angel. EpicVue sponsors the Highway Angel program.

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