Thaddeus Paulson, a Halvor Lines truck driver from Duluth, MN, was recently recognized with the prestigious Highway Angel award by the Truckload Carriers Association. The heroic honor came after he helped save a man and his grandfather when their Chevy Silverado veered into a ditch during snowy road conditions. It’s yet another example of how one person can make an immense difference to those in need on our nation’s highways.
On the morning of December 23, 2022, Paulson was driving down Highway 20 near Iowa Falls when a dramatic scene unfolded in front of him – an out-of-control Chevy Silverado spinning on a patch of black ice before sliding into a ditch.
“The only thing that probably saved their lives, probably, was how deep the snow was,” Paulson said. “Or they would’ve been crushed.”
Paulson’s quick thinking and kind heart saved the day. He pulled to the side of the road and approached the scene ready to assist. Upon investigation, he discovered that the vehicle was occupied by two passengers, a man and his grandfather. The elderly man was in frail condition and was unable to exit the vehicle and walk to the roadway.
“The old man couldn’t walk — he had injuries,” Paulson said. “He was covered in blood.”
The driver of the vehicle explained to Paulson that his grandfather had been experiencing heart issues and they were on the way to the hospital when the accident occurred. Together, the two men worked to help the elderly man out.
“I helped carry the 80-year-old man out of the vehicle that was flipped over,” Paulson said, “and up the hill through waist-deep snow to a heated vehicle and waited for responders to arrive.”
When emergency responders arrived, Paulson informed the officer on scene that his dash cam had captured the accident and that the footage would be made available to authorities if it was needed. Emergency personnel tended to the injured victim, and Paulson continued on his route.
Source: Highway Angel
