Some days it seems the universe puts you in a place where you are needed the most, reckons Tippings Transport director Sally Tipping.
On her company’s Facebook page today she shared the inspiring story of just one of those occassions involving a staff driver.
Although an easy run to Western Sydney from the Dubbo HQ ensured a finish time well before the midnight curfew, the truckie had been running late all day; rescheduling, reloading, and forced delays pushing back departure until the afternoon.
The first indication the run itself wasn’t going to be smooth came as talk of an incident at the first roundabout in Orange crackled through the UHF, writes Tipping, who is also the creator of the Wave To A Truckie Facebook page.
“With no diversion in place for heavy vehicles, waiting time was expected. These are the conditions of the job, so pull over and wait.”
Eventually, the accident was cleared and the driver was on his way.
Unfortunately, by this time scheduled road works between Orange and Bathurst had closed the road, forcing all traffic travelling to Bathurst via Blayney adding another unexpected hour or so onto the trip.
As night fell and with light showers falling, the Blayney-Bathurst Road had an extra amount of road users.
“Rounding a bend the driver stumbled across two light vehicles stopped in both directions of the road with their hazard lights flashing,” continued Tipping.
“Safely stopping and alighting from the truck, the driver noticed all occupants were sitting in their vehicles, looking at a ute blocking the highway, not wanting to help in any way.
“A young women emerged from the ute, the truck driver noticed she had a black eye and was quite distressed. She was fleeing a domestic violence situation in Bathurst and trying to be reunited with her sister in Blayney.
Assessing the situation, the driver’s first thought was to move the ute off the road.
“As he climbed into the vehicle, there in the back seat were three wide-eyed very young girls, probably aged 4, 2 and only 12 months.
“His heart sank. As children were involved, emergency vehicles would be the only safe alternative to transport them to Blayney; necessary phone calls were made.
“The driver had controlled the situation.
“Whatever the circumstances, a young woman trying to survive and keep her family safe.
“Before he left the driver quietly handed her $200 to help her on her way. She responded with a grateful hug and appreciation.
“I do hope this act of kindness helps her recovery and her trust in other humans.
“Without any fanfare the driver climbed back into the truck and continued on his way, completing another journey, finishing just before the midnight curfew.
“Life on the highway has its challenges, however, on days like these truck drivers should be acknowledged for their undeniable acts of courage and compassion in helping other road users.
“They are the Highway Guardians.”