Terry Niederer, a driver for Doug Andrus Distributing, of Idaho Falls, Idaho, has been named a Truckload Carriers Association Highway Angel.

On Dec. 16, 2008, Niederer was traveling on icy Interstate 15 between Idaho Falls and Blackfoot, Idaho. Suddenly, two motorists began sliding sideways down the middle of the road toward him.

Rather than hit the motorists, Niederer chose to run his rig down a steep incline into the median, putting himself and his rig in danger of flipping over. The couple was grateful and credits Niederer with saving their lives.

One of the motorists wrote a letter to Niederer through his company, saying, “We are so sorry for the inconvenience and cost that was involved in your wreck, but we and our family will be eternally grateful to you. You are truly our hero.”