FREDERICTON, N.B. — A fast-acting truck driver is being praised and credited with preventing a fatal accident after he avoided running over a passenger car on a Fredericton bridge.

The accident occurred last weekend on the Princess Margaret Bridge. Local newspapers report the tractor-trailer was cut off by a small car as he attempted to cross the bridge. The truck driver hit the car, but his maneuver prevented the accident from being far more serious, according to news reports.

Sgt. Paul Battiste of the Fredericton Police Force told local media that the truck driver’s quick reaction likely saved lives.

“He took avoiding action and it’s a good thing that driver did what he did,” he said. “He did an awesome job.”