It's bad to be late for work.
Joe is going to work, and he sees that there is a pileup on the highway he normally takes.
Joe doesn't want to be written up.
Joe simply takes a different route to work to avoid the accident.
Joe calls to work and tells them about the accident on the highway.
Joe is the first to work and gets a complement for his punctuality.
Joe isn't written up, but he's much later than anyone else, and he gets some sideways glances.