Melton driver honored for helping 4 occupants out of flipped car

An Oklahoma truck driver was recently recognized for his actions at the scene of a serious accident.

Thomas PattersonThe Truckload Carriers Association recently named truck driver Thomas Patterson from Owasso, Oklahoma, a TCA Highway Angel for rescuing four people trapped in a car that overturned on the highway. Patterson drives for Melton Truck Lines out of Tulsa, Oklahoma.

TCA explains:

On the afternoon of July 9, Patterson was driving on a highway through Missouri, when he spotted a car flipped on its side along the road. The vehicle had smoke billowing out of it.

“I saw a car on fire and pulled over to make sure they were okay,” Patterson said.

Patterson immediately stopped, got out of his truck and broke the flipped car’s windshield. He discovered four young adults trapped inside and he was able to help each one get out and get away from the car. Soon, emergency vehicles arrived and Patterson departed so his truck would not block traffic.  He said he never hesitated to stop to help.

“I’m prior military,” said the Navy veteran. “It’s just kinda in me.”

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 Patterson.