Driver named Highway Angel for blocking traffic after witnessing high-speed crash

Terry McKnightTerry McKnight

A Canadian truck driver for Challenger Motor Freight has been named a Highway Angel by the Truckload Carriers Association after he stopped to help a motorist after a high-speed crash.

Terry McKnight, of Aylmer, Ontario, Canada, was driving in the middle lane on I-75 through Cincinnati on his way to Lebanon, Kentucky, when he saw a car enter the highway at roughly 70 miles per hour, cut across the right lane and try to squeeze between two cars in the left lane.

“She didn’t give herself enough room to make the lane change,” McKnight said, “and hit the rear of the car in front of her, making it spin around. When it stopped, it was facing oncoming traffic.”

The collision caused the speeding vehicle to flip upside down and slide on its roof down the road. McKnight followed the car, stopping behind where it came to rest, and positioned his truck to block traffic as the driver tried to crawl out of her car. He called 911 and stayed at the scene until police arrived and took his statement. One of the officers thanked McKnight for stopping to help.

“Everybody’s in a hurry,” McKnight said. “I was just in the right place at the right time. I made the decision to stop and block traffic from hitting her car. I didn’t want to see her get hurt. I would do it again if I had to.”

For his willingness to help, TCA presented McKnight with a certificate, patch, lapel pin and truck decals. Challenger Motor Freight also received a certificate acknowledging their driver as a Highway Angel. EpicVue sponsors the Highway Angel program.

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