CVTA Member Highlight - Courage on the Road: How Mark Jackson Saved a Life

Schneider Driver Mark Jackson

From CVTA Member - Schneider When Schneider dedicated driver Mark Jackson set out on a routine overnight run from Memphis to Florida, he expected nothing more than the familiar rhythm of the highway. But what happened on that trip would change not only his life, but the life of a stranger whose wedding day almost never came.

Somewhere along the route in Alabama, Mark came upon a terrible accident. A car had struck a deer, leaving the vehicle totaled and consumed by flames. Inside, the driver was trapped and unconscious. Most people would freeze in that moment. Mark didn’t. He pulled over, set his flashers, grabbed his fire extinguisher, and ran straight toward the fire.

The flames were intense, but Mark stayed focused, working to hold them back while others fought to pry open the car doors. As more motorists stopped and traffic backed up, Mark sprinted to collect additional fire extinguishers, making sure there were enough to keep the fire from overtaking the car. When first responders finally arrived, a state trooper made it clear—without the actions of those who stopped, and especially Mark’s quick thinking, the driver would not have survived.

Mark could have walked away then, knowing he had done his part. But that’s not who he is. He searched for the man’s name, located his family online, and made sure they knew which hospital he had been taken to. Because of that, his loved ones were able to be by his side during the fight for his life. Over the weeks that followed, Mark stayed in touch and learned that the man had been on his way to Florida to get married. Instead, he spent more than a month in intensive care. His recovery has been nothing short of remarkable—today, he can stand, speak, and continue healing at a rehabilitation facility close to home. He and his fiancée have even rescheduled their wedding for this August, and they’ve invited Mark to attend.

Those who know Mark weren’t surprised by his actions. His Client Services and Operations Manager, Kimberlie Bridges, said his courage and responsibility reflect his true character. Schneider honored him with its Orange Heart Presidential Award, which recognizes associates whose selfless acts embody compassion and bravery.

Mark’s story reminds us that professional drivers are more than the backbone of our supply chain—they are often the first to respond in moments of crisis. Their training, their composure, and their heart for others can turn tragedy into survival. Because of Mark Jackson, a man lived to see his future—and that is something worth celebrating. If you're a CVTA member and have a success story you'd like us to highlight, please send it our way—we’d be happy to help share it