Anyone involved in trucking freight knows the best days are uneventful ones. Between traffic, shipment delays, weather hazards and any number of other challenges, unexpected disruptions can create scheduling hassles or worse. Over the past few weeks alone, several truckers experiencing one of the worst dangers in trucking — a serious accident — were fortunate that good Samaritans acted quickly and bravely to save their lives. 

Diesel Fuel Erupts in Flames on October 19

When Michael Finnerty veered around a wreck in San Francisco, his own truck flipped and erupted in flames. Finnerty freed himself from the cab, only to lose consciousness while laying in spilled diesel near his truck. Thankfully, Keenia Williams was driving by and stopped to pull Finnerty to safety. According to an article in the San Francisco Chronicle, Williams said Finnerty told her, “I will never forget you,” as he was being loaded into an ambulance with only minor injuries. 

Millions of Bees Escape on October 23

Louis and Tammie Holst were carrying more than 25 million bees from South Dakota to California when a sharp turn tipped their trailer in Utah. After two first responders pulled the truckers through a window in their rig, the couple was able to flee the swarming insects. Though Louis needed 10 stitches and Tammie was bruised, both Holsts have their rescuers to thank for helping them escape potentially fatal bee stings. 

Fire Threatens a Wrecked Tractor on October 24

Driver Pavel Plevako lost control while trucking freight, and when he ran into a bridge support his diesel tanks burst into flames. The fire moved from the trailer, consuming the apples and onions he carried and spread toward the cab. Passing motorists stopped and used a pry bar to pull Plevako from his truck and bring him to safety. 

Though these drivers were fortunate that caring people saved their lives, truckers are frequently the rescuers — in big and small ways, too. 

On October 24, a Washington woman wrote a letter to The Daily News Online thanking the anonymous truck driver who helped her daughter when she was broken down on the side of road with no cell phone access. Clearly touched by the trucker’s care, she closes the letter saying, “Thank you! Thank you! And God bless you! Truck drivers like you give truck drivers a good reputation. Yes, there are still some gentlemen out there.”