by Women In Trucking Staff, on Jul 14, 2025 12:16:35 PM
If you’re a professional truck driver who comes across a truck rollover that immediately happened, what would you do? Heather Barkey, a professional truck driver for Nussbaum, recently found out.
On June 18 at around 10:30 p.m. in Mount Vernon, IL, Barkey was driving up to a Nussbaum’s terminal and stopped to check on a driver involved in a truck rollover.
“I stopped on the side of the road because no one had stopped,” she says. “The truck was smoking when I got there and you could smell fuel.”
She had the composure to throw on her hazard lights so she didn’t make the situation worse, then call 911.
“The driver was stuck in there,” she continues. “I happened to have a Maglite flashlight in my hand so I beat the window until I got it busted open and then he was able to kick it out. Of course I called 911 during all of this and I stayed on the scene until the officer told me I was good to go. I’m just glad he was okay.”
In another case of an accident, Danwa Jacobsen was driving along Highway 11 in northern Ontario and came across a harrowing scene. A group of friends had been attempting to cross the highway on snowmobiles but one hadn’t made it in time to avoid being struck by an oncoming vehicle. Upon witnessing the snowmobile accident Jacobsen, who is a professional truck driver for Erb Transport, immediately maneuvered her truck to shield the boy and signal to other drivers to avoid the scene, protecting him from further injury
Both truck drivers have been recently recognized by the Truckload Carriers Association (TCA) for their quick actions to assist others on the road.*
What To Do When Drivers See a Hazard or Accident on the Road?
Some of the most experienced, vigilant professional truck drivers on the highway like Barkey and Jacobsen are quick in their reactions to help others when in need. With millions of miles traveled each year, it's not uncommon for professional truck drivers to encounter roadway hazards or even come upon the scene of an accident.
However, while these individuals want to help it’s also critical that they know what to do in these situations by factoring in safety and professional responsibility. While each situation is unique and may also factor in corporate guidance and policies by your employer, in general drivers should consider following these eight potential steps:
- Stay Calm and Alert. The first and most important step is to remain calm. Sudden moves or emotional reactions can cause additional risk. Professional truck drivers should keep a clear head and quickly assess the situation while maintaining control of their vehicle.
- Do Not Slam on the Brakes. Unless absolutely necessary, avoid slamming on the brakes. Sudden braking in a heavy commercial vehicle can lead to loss of control or jackknifing. If a hazard or accident is ahead, slow down gradually while signaling to vehicles behind.
- Report the Hazard or Accident. If you see a road hazard (such as debris, stalled vehicles, or unsafe conditions) or come upon an accident, immediately call 911 or the appropriate emergency services if it appears serious or there are injuries. Be ready to share the exact location (mile marker, highway name, direction) and a brief description of what you see.
- Use Hazard Lights. Alerting other drivers is crucial. Use hazard lights to indicate that there is a problem ahead, especially if you're slowing down or stopping. This helps prevent further collisions and gives others time to react.
- Pull Over Safely if Necessary. If you need to stop and it’s safe to do so—such as to assist, check on the scene, or wait for emergency personnel—make sure to pull completely off the road, preferably onto a wide shoulder or safe turnout. Turn on flashers and set out reflective triangles if you’ll be stationary for a while.
- Do Not Put Yourself in Danger. While it's natural to want to help, professional drivers should avoid putting themselves in harm’s way. Don’t enter traffic lanes to remove debris or approach a wrecked vehicle if the situation appears unstable. Wait for emergency responders who are trained and equipped for these situations.
- Document if Safe. If you witness the incident or are the first to arrive, take brief notes or photos from a safe distance. Your observations may be helpful for first responders, insurance reports, or investigations, especially if you're asked to serve as a witness.
- Follow Up with Your Dispatch or Carrier. Inform your dispatcher or safety department about what you saw or reported. Many companies require drivers to log or share any roadway incidents they encounter, especially if the driver was delayed or had to stop.
Sue Bell, who is a P&D Professional Driver for Saia LTL Freight, recently followed several of these steps when she witnessed a serious accident in a heavily populated area. She took immediate action by using her semi to secure the scene and protect those involved until emergency personnel arrived. She informed her terminal manager and stayed until authorities took control. “Two officers came over afterward and thanked me for staying on the scene. I was glad to be of service,” she says. This moment reflects the deep sense of responsibility she feels as a driver.
Safety should be the top priority for every professional truck driver. By reacting calmly, reporting promptly, and staying out of harm’s way, drivers can play a critical role in maintaining highway safety. Their eyes on the road can make a difference in how quickly hazards are addressed and how many lives are protected.
* Since the TCA Highway Angel program’s inception in August 1997, nearly 1,500 professional truck drivers have been recognized as TCA Highway Angels for exemplary kindness, courtesy, and courage displayed while on the job.
Related Articles:
- Real-Life Strategies for Safety
- Fueled by Grit: Sue Bell’s Inspiring Journey in Trucking
- Safety Isn’t Optional: The Key to Trust, Efficiency, and Longevity to Trucking Operations
- Life on the Road: Perspectives on the Day-To-Day Life of Being a Professional Driver
Like this kind of content?
As a member of the Women In Trucking Association, stay on top of emerging trends and business issues impacting transportation and logistics; learn the importance of gender diversity in the workplace and the need for more women drivers; and see best practices in encouraging the employment of women in the trucking industry. Join today! Learn More
