U.S. XPRESS Driver recognized as Highway Hero Finalist
For his heroic role in helping save a fellow trucker trapped inside a flaming tractor, U.S. XPRESS driver David Dunham earned an all expenses paid trip to the 3rd annual Mid-America Trucking Show in Louisville, KY. David was being honored as one of the finalists for Goodyear’s North American highway Hero Award.
On March 26th, David received his moment in the spotlight and a $5,000 savings bond for being part of a very elite group of drivers. “ I’ve been in the trucking business for 12 years and David stands out among the best,” said Daniel Weis, David’s capacity manager. “I was very happy when I heard he had been nominated for this award. If anyone deserves this recognition, it’s David.”
Traveling on Interstate 40 through New Mexico, David came upon another trucker who had careened off the highway into a deep median. The truck was beyond mangled- it was on fire. In a rush to reach the man, David slipped and fell on the sharp rocks surrounding the median. When asked about his thoughts regarding his own safety, David said, “there wasn’t time to think. “
“I just saw something that needed to be done and did it,” he explained. “ I grabbed the arm and shoulder part of his sweater and started backing up. I could see the flames coming up between his legs and around his body. I prayed he wouldn’t catch fire because there was diesel fuel everywhere.”
Miraculously, David was able to rescue the trucker, pulling him out of the cab just before the flames engulfed the tractor.
“I’m truly surprised and honored to have been chosen by Goodyear from among thousands to represent truckers, across America, “ said David humbly. “ I just think of myself as a normal, everyday person who was just doing his job.”
But Vice President of Recruiting Gary Kelly who attended the Goodyear events with David knows it takes a special person to perform the job of saving someone’s life.“ David was a superstar at the Louisville truck show. He did an outstanding job of representing himself and U.S. XPRESS.”
After being recognized as one of the three runners-up, David was interviewed on the XM and Sirius Radio networks and by all the major trucking magazines and graciously worked in the U.S. XPRESS recruiting booth recruiting new drivers.
“ The story of David’s heroic act is truly inspirational, “ said Gary. “ He is true hero and deserves our admiration. I am very proud to have him on our driving team at U.S. XPRESS.”
The U.S. XPRESS fleet consists of more than 5,600 company owned and independent contractor trucks running throughout the contiguous 48 states. If you’re a top professional driver-team, solo or independent contractor – interested in one of the many fine regional, dedicated, or OTR opportunities available with U.S. XPRESS call us at 1.800.830.3834
