EPES TRANSPORT SYSTEM, LLC PROFESSIONAL TRUCK DRIVER PROTECTS AND COMFORTS MOTORCYCLIST AFTER VIOLENT CRASH

01/11/2019
Alexandria, Virginia

Eddie Loflin of Thomasville, North Carolina, a professional truck driver for Epes Transport System, LLC of Greensboro, North Carolina, has been named a Highway Angel by the Truckload Carriers Association (TCA). He is being recognized for his willingness to protect an injured motorist as well as comforting the man in his time of need.

In April of 2018, professional truck driver Eddie Loflin was on his normal route for the day heading to Sanford, North Carolina from Lexington. He noticed ahead in the distance a motorcycle entering the on-ramp and numerous cars and trucks maneuvering around him. As the motorcyclist began to merge to continue straight on the highway, Loflin lost sight of him. Just then, he noticed the motorcyclist’s body thrown from the bike, slung to the ground violently.

“It was chaotic and looked harsh,” recalled Loflin. “I remember thinking that he must be dead. Nobody else was stopping to help out at the time, and it was a miracle that no one ran him over.”

Acting swiftly, Loflin positioned his truck behind the motorcycle so the rider wouldn’t get hit. Loflin quickly retrieved a water bottle from his truck, jumped out of the cab, and sat down beside the injured man on the ground.

“I asked if he was OK and he said he was not. I told him my name and that I was calling 911 and getting help,” said Loflin. “I told the man to be still because he could injure himself further if he moved too quickly, and luckily he stayed calm and obeyed.”

At that point, all Loflin could do was keep the injured man as comfortable as possible, reassuring him he wasn’t alone and reminding him that help was on the way. When the ambulance arrived emergency personnel asked Loflin what had happened, but he could only share what he had seen – the man being flung from his motorcycle.

“What I do know is that if I hadn’t positioned my trailer there, somebody for sure would have run over him,” shared Loflin. “I kept him alert and said ‘Don’t you go to sleep on me now.’”

Once the paramedics safely lifted the motorcyclist into the ambulance, the Epes Transport System, LLC driver proceeded on his way. Loflin received a report soon thereafter stating the motorcyclist had several broken ribs, a broken arm and ankle, as well as a collapsed lung.

“I just felt like I was able to do a good thing that day and help someone out,” he said. “It could have been much worse if I didn’t stop, so I’m glad I was there for that man that day.”

For his willingness to assist a fellow citizen, the Truckload Carriers Association has presented him with a certificate, patch, lapel pin, and truck decals. Epes Transport System, LLC also received a certificate acknowledging their driver as a Highway Angel.