Hirschbach Blog

Hirschbach Hero Spotlight: Vigilance That Saved a Life

Written by Hirschbach Motor Lines | Jan 21, 2026 8:26:08 PM

 

On the night of December 24th, one of our drivers, Warren B, was traveling eastbound on US-60 through Kentucky. It was late, visibility was poor, and thick fog made the roadway especially dangerous.

Knowing the conditions, Warren made a deliberate decision to slow down—driving 10 miles per hour under the speed limit, fully focused, both hands on the wheel, and alert to everything around him.

“The fog was so thick you really couldn’t see. I was going about ten under the speed limit and staying 100% focused, both hands on the wheel.”

That vigilance proved critical.

Without warning, a dark pickup truck crossed the median to make a U-turn, pulling directly into Warren’s lane. The vehicle was nearly impossible to see in the fog and darkness—by the time Warren spotted the red lights, the truck was only about 20 feet in front of him, occupying the entire lane.

Reacting instantly to avoid a catastrophic collision, Warren locked up the brakes and steered into the ditch, sacrificing his own position to prevent what would have been a devastating T-bone crash. Based on the distance and speed involved, a direct impact could have been life-changing—or fatal—for the occupants of the pickup.

After coming to a stop, Warren immediately exited his truck to check on the other driver. The pickup did not stop and drove off.

There is very little margin for error on the road, especially when driving a semi that takes up nearly the whole lane.

“Because I slowed down and took my time, someone got to go home to their family for Christmas.”

Safety Reminder

Conditions can change in an instant. Fog, darkness, narrow lanes, and unexpected driver behavior leave little room for error. Warren’s actions are a powerful reminder that slowing down, staying alert, and driving defensively can make the difference between a close call and a life-changing accident.

Take your time. Stay focused. Arrive safe.

Thank you, Warren, for demonstrating what it means to put safety first—every mile, every time.