Watch CBS News

OnStar Recognizes 'Good Samaritans'

DETROIT -- The OnStar vehicle communications service from General Motors  recognizd the "good Samaritans" who call in other people's problems on the road in a program Wednesday.

In 2012, OnStar subscribers used their service nearly 80,000 times to help others in need -- more than 650,000 times since OnStar was introduced in 1996.

The first award was given to Tyler Andrews, a Dallas resident who paid it forward with a big-hearted act of kindness. As the victim of a serious hit-and-run accident in 2008, Andrews has firsthand experience of the lifesaving abilities of OnStar. He paid it forward by using his OnStar service to family in need.

While driving onto the southbound entrance of the Dallas North toll way in his GMC Sierra Denali, Andrews noticed a Ford Expedition sitting in the middle of the entrance ramp. Andrews pulled alongside the vehicle to learn if the passengers needed help. When he reached the vehicle, Andrews noticed an unresponsive man, accompanied by his wife and three daughters.

"I pushed the OnStar Button the second I pulled up on the scene," Andrews said. "OnStar stayed with us the entire time, giving us instructions and helping us to remain calm."

Working in tandem, two OnStar advisors spoke with Andrews. One obtained incident details and alerted emergency personnel. The second advisor provided pre-arrival medical instructions to Andrews in order to help revive the motorist.

"Tyler Andrews exemplifies the essence of what the OnStar Good Samaritan award program is all about," said OnStar COO Terry Inch. "We want to recognize consumers who exhibit such unselfish acts of kindness."

The OnStar award was given in conjunction with National Good Samaritan Day, Wednesday, March 13.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.