An Arizona trucker has been recognized for his efforts to aid a fellow driver whose rig overturned.
The Truckload Carriers Association recently named Rudy Castellanos from Tucson, Arizona, a TCA Highway Angel for rescuing a trucker after his vehicle overturned on the highway. Castellanos drives for Hi Pro Inc. out of Twentynine Palms, California.
TCA explains:
Rudy CastellanosAround 7 a.m. on July 2, Castellanos was driving in the mountains near Tucson. He was following a semi-truck, which rounded a corner and one of its rear trailer tires burst, causing the vehicle to overturn.
“There was a big noise,” Castellanos said, “and the truck just laid down on its right side.”
Castellanos quickly parked his truck and rushed to assist, helping the driver from the debris. Fortunately, there were no serious injuries, although the driver sustained several lacerations to their head. Castellanos called 911, made sure the driver was safe and went on his way.
“I was the only one who stopped,” Castellanos said. “I called 911 from my phone, and then I told him I had to leave to get back to work.”
Since the TCA Highway Angels program’s inception in August 1997, nearly 1,400 professional truck drivers have been recognized as Highway Angels for exemplary kindness, courtesy, and courage displayed while on the job. Thanks to the program’s presenting sponsor, EpicVue, and supporting sponsors, DriverFacts and Northland Insurance, TCA is able to showcase outstanding drivers like Castellanos.
Rudy Castellanos
