“His tires went off the road; it was in a construction zone, it had been raining, there was mud from the construction on the road — I feel so bad for this driver,” said Cataldo.

Cataldo immediately slowed her own truck, turned on her four-way flashers to warn oncoming traffic, and called 911. Then she rushed to the scene to check on the driver, who was disoriented and bleeding.

“The driver was out of the truck, but he was really confused,” she said. “The poor kid — he was really cut up — he was bleeding on his arms and his knuckles.”

For several tense minutes, Cataldo stayed with him, providing reassurance and care until emergency responders arrived. Her actions not only prevented further accidents in the area but also ensured the injured driver was not alone during a critical time.

“What I did was what I would hope any other driver would do,” Cataldo said.

TCA Highway Angel Program

The TCA Highway Angel program, which began in August 1997, recognizes professional truck drivers who demonstrate exceptional kindness, courage, and courtesy on the road. Since its inception, nearly 1,500 drivers have been honored for going above and beyond while on the job.

Thanks to the support of EpicVue, the presenting sponsor, and DriverFacts and Northland Insurance as supporting sponsors, the program continues to shine a spotlight on drivers like Cataldo, whose actions highlight the best of the trucking community.

Image Source: TCA, Truckers News

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This prestigious recognition celebrates truck drivers who go above and beyond in acts of kindness, courage, and courtesy while out on the road. For Combs, his commitment to helping others was clear when he intervened to protect a fellow motorist in distress.

A Heroic Display of Awareness on I-81

It was the early hours of April 23 when Combs, who has been a truck driver with ABF Freight based in Fort Smith, Arkansas, found himself traveling northbound along Interstate 81 in Virginia. The stretch between Roanoke and Harrisonburg is often bustling with vehicles, yet Combs’ attentiveness allowed him to notice something unusual.

“I thought it was chains dragging,” Combs recalled after observing sparks flying from a GMC pickup truck just ahead of him. “When I saw it sparking a little too much, I was flashing my lights on and off; I was trying to get him to stop before he passed another truck, and then the sparks got even worse.”

His persistence paid off. The driver of the pickup noticed the signals and began pulling over, just in time for a situation that could have turned disastrous.

Preventing a Catastrophe

Combs’ instincts were spot-on. Moments after the pickup truck began to pull off to the side, it lost its right front wheel.

“I knew something was gonna happen,” Combs said, describing the chaotic scene. “Sparks went everywhere. It went from a few sparks to, when it hit the ground, it was like somebody set a fire underneath it.”

The situation could have escalated further, but fortune favored preparation that day. Combs, a seasoned driver with 16 years of experience, stopped immediately to ensure everyone was safe. Inside the pickup truck were the driver and two passengers—thankfully, none of them were injured.

Realizing the potential fire risk from the sparks, Combs checked the vehicle to confirm it hadn’t ignited. For him, taking action in emergencies is second nature. “I’m always gonna stop,” he emphasized.

Celebrating Heroes of the Highway

Stan Combs’ story is just one example of the incredible acts of service recognized by the TCA’s Highway Angel program. Since its launch in 1997, the program has honored nearly 1,500 professional truck drivers for their extraordinary efforts on the road.

Each honoree exemplifies the values of kindness, responsibility, and vigilance—qualities that are vital in the trucking profession. TCA’s ability to showcase these drivers is made possible thanks to program sponsors like presenting sponsor EpicVue, along with DriverFacts and Northland Insurance.

The Legacy of Being a Highway Angel

For truck drivers like Combs, recognition as a Highway Angel isn’t just about the award—it’s about reflecting the values that define the industry. Stories like his serve as inspiration, reminding us of the humanity behind the wheel of these massive vehicles.

Image Source: ABF Freight
Source: Truckers News

The post TCA Recognizes ABF Truck Driver Stan Combs as Highway Angel appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

These heroes were officially recognized at a special awards luncheon on March 17 at TCA’s annual convention in Phoenix, Arizona. The awards are made possible through sponsorship from EpicVue and Northland Insurance.

Meet the 2024 TCA Highway Angels of the Year:

Jason Corino

On November 29, 2023, while driving on US 491 in Cortez, Colorado, Jason Corino found himself in the middle of a horrifying road rage incident that escalated into an attack on a police officer. Corino saw a suspect get out of their vehicle and open fire on the officer during a traffic stop. Acting without hesitation, Corino slammed on his brakes to halt traffic behind him, potentially saving numerous lives. His truck’s camera captured the shocking incident and became key evidence in the investigation. Tragically, the officer did not survive, and the suspect was later fatally shot by law enforcement. Corino’s quick thinking and decisive actions were instrumental in protecting others on the road and assisting the investigation.

Michael Dorsey

September 26, 2024, was a day of disaster in Erwin, Tennessee, as Hurricane Helene’s floodwaters rose rapidly and overwhelmed the area. Loading his flatbed truck at the time, Michael Dorsey quickly realized the danger. He allowed 10 people seeking safety to find refuge on his truck trailer. The floodwaters soon swept the group away, forcing everyone to cling to the trailer for survival. Knocked unconscious at one point, Dorsey did not give up. His bravery and determination ultimately saved six lives in a chaotic and life-threatening situation. Dorsey is a shining example of resilience and selflessness in the face of disaster.

Daljit Sohi

On November 29, 2024, while driving from Banff to Salmon Arm, Canada, Daljit Sohi witnessed a woman accidentally drop her purse at a rest stop. The purse contained $1,100 in cash, a gold chain, and essential personal belongings. Sohi selflessly retrieved the purse and pursued the woman and her family for three hours to return it. When he finally caught up and gave the purse back intact, the woman offered him a reward, which he declined. Sohi’s act of kindness and integrity underscores his immense generosity, earning him a well-deserved spot as a Highway Angel.

Celebrating Their Heroism

These extraordinary individuals were each honored with a complimentary EpicVue satellite TV package. The package includes a 24-inch flatscreen TV, a DVR, and a one-year subscription to DIRECTV, which features over 100 channels, including HBO, Showtime, Cinemax, and NFL Sunday Ticket.

About the TCA Highway Angel Program

Since 1997, the TCA Highway Angel program has recognized professional truck drivers who go above and beyond to assist or protect others. Each year, a select group of these drivers is celebrated for embodying the program’s values of kindness, bravery, and selflessness, and one is chosen as Highway Angel of the Year.

To learn more about the TCA Highway Angel program or to nominate a deserving driver, visit www.highwayangel.org.

The TCA Highway Angel program is made possible through sponsorship from EpicVue, Northland Insurance, and DriverFacts.

Source: Truckers News
Image Sources: Truckers News

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