Christopher A. Howard rescued Matthew T. and Matthew R. Lovo from an out-of-control tractor-trailer, St. Helens, Oregon, August 7, 2007. Traveling at about 30 m.p.h. on a four-lane highway, Matthew T. Lovo, 32, was driving a truck tractor pulling two loaded trailers when he lost consciousness and fell to the floor of the cab between the two seats. The rig crossed the opposing lanes of traffic as his son Matthew, 9, who was accompanying him, took over the steering wheel and turned off the ignition. Matthew took the truck, which was slowing, back across the highway. Howard, 36, millwright, was approaching in his vehicle when the tractor-trailer crossed his path and then passed him. Seeing that a boy was attempting to control the rig, Howard immediately left his car on the highway, ran after the truck, and mounted the driver’s side of the tractor. He opened the door, partially entered the cab, and stepped hard on the brake pedal, taking the rig to a stop. Lovo was taken to the hospital for observation, and he recovered.
81190-9259Christopher A. Howard
Warren, OR