Douglas Crawford, an Ashford, AL driver for Saia Motor Freight Lines Inc., has been named the Goodyear North American Highway Hero.
Crawford rescued Sexton Farms Trucking driver Herman Langford after he collided with a truck operated by Roadway. The Roadway truck had been rear-ended by a hit-and-run driver, forcing it to cross a grass median and into opposing traffic, causing the Sexton Farms-Roadway collision.
Both trucks exploded and the cab of the Roadway truck disintegrated.
Crawford witnessed the two-truck collision, parked his truck and ran to the scene of the crash. He ran to Langford’s truck, knowing that no one could have survived in the other truck, and sprayed it with a fire extinguisher. He found Langford unconscious and pulled him away from the cab, moments before that tractor exploded.
A nurse stopped at the accident and administered first aid until paramedics arrived. The hit-and-run driver later informed police of his role in the accident and he was arrested.
Crawford received a $10,000 U.S. savings bond and a Goodyear Highway Hero ring upon accepting the award.
