“Out of nowhere I saw a bright flash. Instantly, everything inside the truck went black.”
That’s how Midland-Odessa teammate Chad Freeman describes what happened when he was driving down the highway before dawn one stormy morning and the driver side of his truck was struck by lightning. Thankfully, Chad survived. What’s even more amazing is that he knew how to handle the event with extreme focus on personal and public safety.
“I always do a good pre-trip inspection, and I knew exactly where my equipment was when I needed it,” says Chad. “I got the truck to a safe place on the side of the road, set out my reflector triangles, grabbed my fire extinguisher, and made sure there were no flames in or around the truck. I climbed back inside the cab and called my leadership, Breakdown Services, and an ambulance.”
Although getting stuck by lightning is rare, Chad warns that anything can happen on the road. This 11-year Averitt driver credits his positive outcome to a strong safety routine and encourages everyone to stay ready for unexpected hazards.
“My experience has made me more aware of the importance of safety,” says Chad. “It can be easy to grow complacent in the day-to-day, but we’ve got to be ready for anything. I think that’s what kept me and the other motorists safe after the lightning strike. One thing’s for sure – I definitely won’t be playing golf or going fishing in a thunderstorm anytime soon!”