Frito-Lay Driver Recognized as TCA Highway Angel After Helping Trucker During Medical Emergency

Frito-Lay Transportation driver Joann McNabb has been named a TCA Highway Angel after helping a fellow truck driver experiencing a stroke on Interstate 94 in Michigan.

A Frito-Lay Transportation driver has been recognized by the Truckload Carriers Association (TCA) after helping a fellow truck driver who suffered a stroke while driving on Interstate 94 in Michigan.

Joann McNabb was named a TCA Highway Angel for her actions on Aug. 11 after noticing a tractor-trailer traveling erratically through traffic near Harper Woods.

Erratic Driving Prompted Immediate Concern

According to TCA, McNabb was traveling on Interstate 94 when she observed a semi-truck slowing unexpectedly in the middle lane before drifting into adjacent lanes.

After sounding her horn several times without getting the driver’s attention, she began to suspect the driver was experiencing a medical emergency rather than simply driving inattentively.

McNabb activated her hazard lights and remained behind the truck while another motorist did the same. Together, they created a buffer between the disabled truck and approaching traffic as the vehicle continued moving along the shoulder.

The truck eventually struck a concrete barrier but continued traveling for approximately another mile while McNabb remained on the phone with Michigan State Police, providing updates on the situation.

Driver Identified Signs of a Stroke

When the truck finally came to a stop, McNabb and the other motorist immediately went to check on the driver.

Because the driver’s door was locked and the passenger side was against the concrete barrier, McNabb called out to the driver until he was able to partially lower the window. She then entered the cab, applied the parking brakes, and shut down the truck.

After reaching the driver, McNabb recognized symptoms that suggested he was having a stroke and immediately shared her concerns with responding emergency personnel.

Firefighters evaluated the driver and confirmed he was experiencing an active stroke before transporting him to a hospital for treatment.

McNabb remained with the driver until emergency responders were ready to leave the scene.

Highway Angel Program Recognizes Professional Drivers

The TCA Highway Angel program honors professional drivers who demonstrate exceptional courage, courtesy and compassion while working.

Since the program began in 1997, nearly 1,500 professional truck drivers have received the Highway Angel designation for assisting others during emergencies on the nation’s highways.

The program is supported by presenting sponsor EpicVue along with DriverFacts and Northland Insurance.