As the endless blur of a South Carolina forest whizzed by Anthony Moore, his headlights shone on something in the road. That something became a someone, and that someone was running straight toward his truck. This moment would soon be known as the incident where a trucker thwarts kidnapping.
Anthony threw his foot onto the brake, the truck screeching to a halt. Anthony could see the woman clearly now: She was handcuffed. The woman continued to bound toward Anthony’s driver’s side window, her screams muffled behind the glass. A Cadillac trailed behind her.
Anthony rolled his window down, letting in a slew of cries from the woman, “Please help me! He’s trying to kidnap me!” Behind her, the Cadillac pulled parallel to the truck, creating a pin between Anthony and the woman. The driver rolled his window down.
A disheveled man flashed a police badge, insisting that he was an officer trying to take the woman in. Anthony took one glance at the unmarked Cadillac, the plainly dressed man, and the quivering woman, and made a split-second decision: he would not turn the woman over.
Anthony guarded her until another motorist dialed 911. As witnesses grew, the man in the Cadillac lost his nerve and sped away. Anthony’s dashcam captured everything, providing the key to how this trucker thwarted a kidnapping.
Later, authorities would express “no doubt” that Anthony’s actions had saved the woman’s life. His dashcam footage played an integral role in the eventual capture of the man in the Cadillac.
Anthony joined a revered hall of trucking heroes that day. But what makes truckers so well equipped to deal with disastrous situations?
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Why Truckers Are in a Unique Position to Help
Truckers are especially prepared to lend a helping hand simply by the nature of their occupation.
From within the cab, truckers have a unique vantage point on the road, often towering over the scene to take in the details. Additionally, truckers work odd hours in rural areas on the periphery, where illicit activity often occurs.
As voyagers of the forgotten roads, truckers are often the first line of defense against criminal activity. A single trucker thwarts kidnapping, inspiring others to be vigilant as well.
What You Need to Be Ready
You never know when the unexpected will strike. But you can be prepared.
When hauling, always use a dashcam. In the case of Anthony Moore, having a recorded memory of unlawful activity can be the deciding factor in bringing justice.
Aside from equipment, taking courses on preventing human trafficking and other illegal activity can give you the vision you need to spot danger. Truckers Against Trafficking is a renowned organization that offers free training to truckers.
What to Do If You Witness a Crime
If you ever come face-to-face with someone in a dire situation, remember these four essentials for managing a dangerous situation:
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Call 911
Even if you aren’t entirely sure if someone is in a dangerous situation, it’s far better to be safe than sorry. Call 911 at the earliest suspicion that something is amiss.
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Keep Your Dashcam Running
If Anthony’s story taught us anything, it’s the importance of having a dashcam ready when the unthinkable happens. When you’re driving, keep your dashcam on. You never know what it might do for someone.
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Prioritize the Victim’s Safety
Protecting a potential victim doesn’t mean that you need to incapacitate the perpetrator. Like Anthony, you can provide safety, stay close to witnesses, and let the officers handle the arrest.
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Rely on Your Training
When in doubt, default on your training. If you’re trying to identify if someone is a victim, what has your training taught you? Rely on the proven patterns associated with trafficking when making a judgment call.
Anthony Moore saved a life by staying calm, making sound judgments, and ultimately serving as an advocate. Truckers are uniquely positioned to be guardians of the road. Whenever a trucker thwarts kidnapping, it demonstrates the brave spirit needed on our roads.
Someone just might have you to thank for preserving their life.
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