What happened on Interstate 43

The crash took place on March 22 around 2:45 p.m. as Miller was traveling near Interstate 43. A tour bus carrying more than 50 passengers lost control while exiting the highway. It crossed lanes, struck a curb, went airborne, and continued for more than 100 yards before going over a five-foot embankment and coming to rest between two buildings.

“Wow, this bus comes flying across the highway… hit the curb, jumped in the air… and then went about 125 more yards,” Miller said. “It could have been so much worse.”

How the situation unfolded

At least 41 people were injured, including two in critical condition. The crash required a response from multiple agencies. Miller said he narrowly avoided being hit.

“If I’d been five seconds further down the road, it would have probably killed me,” he said.

Instead of continuing, he called 911, paused, and took a moment to read the scene before moving in. That decision, shaped by years behind the wheel, helped him approach safely.

What Miller did at the scene

Inside the bus, several passengers were trapped or injured. One of them, Audrey Pierce, was stuck in the stairwell near the door.

“He stayed on the scene until the police and paramedics arrived,” Pierce said. “He held my hand and talked to me while I was trapped. He kept me awake and talking.”

Miller stayed for about 90 minutes. During that time, he helped direct emergency vehicles, assisted passengers where possible, and supported first responders. Many of the passengers were elderly, which added to the urgency of the situation.

“They’re basically like your grandma and grandpa,” Miller said. “It really pulls your heartstrings.”

What investigators are looking into

The cause of the crash is still under investigation, including the possibility of mechanical issues. Law enforcement has filed charges against the operator involved.

Why this recognition matters

Miller downplayed the recognition.

“I would never just call 911 and keep going,” he said. “We’re all here to help one another.”

The Highway Angel program, started in 1997 by the Truckload Carriers Association, has recognized nearly 1,500 people for acts of courage, courtesy, and professionalism. With support from EpicVue, DriverFacts, and Northland Insurance, the program continues to highlight those who step in when something goes wrong.

Situations like this develop without warning. What matters is how quickly the scene is assessed and how safely help is provided until first responders arrive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who named Scott Miller a Highway Angel?
The Truckload Carriers Association recognized him for his actions at the crash scene.

Where did the crash happen?
Near Interstate 43 in Green Bay, Wisconsin.

How many people were injured?
At least 41 people were injured, including two in critical condition.

How long did Miller stay at the scene?
About 90 minutes assisting passengers and responders.

What is the Highway Angel program?
It is a recognition program that highlights individuals for acts of courage and assistance on the road.

Moments like this show how quickly a routine drive can turn into something far more serious, and how experience and awareness can make a difference when it does.

The Truck Drivers USA editorial team creates practical, driver-focused content covering industry topics, job trends, and real-world decisions that impact drivers at every stage of their careers. Each article is written to provide clear, accurate information that drivers can use.

Last updated: April 29, 2026

Source: Truckers News

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The Truckload Carriers Association (TCA) has now recognized Barkey as its newest Highway Angel, honoring her courage and quick thinking.

A Night That Changed Everything

The incident happened late in the evening on June 18 near Mount Vernon, Illinois, as Barkey was heading toward her company’s terminal.

“I stopped on the side of the road because no one had stopped,” Barkey said. “The truck was smoking when I got there, and you could smell fuel.”

She immediately put her hazards on to avoid creating more danger, then called 911.

Breaking Through to Save a Life

“The driver was stuck in there,” Barkey said. “I happened to have a mag light flashlight in my hand, so I beat the window until I got it busted open, and then he was able to kick it out. Of course, I called 911 during all of this, and I stayed on the scene until the officer told me I was good to go. I’m just glad he was okay.”

Her quick actions helped prevent a bad situation from escalating, demonstrating the importance of staying calm under pressure and being willing to take action.

Recognized as a Highway Angel

The TCA Highway Angel program highlights professional drivers who go above and beyond to help others in critical situations. Barkey’s story is now part of a long tradition of truckers proving that the industry is about much more than moving freight — it’s about protecting lives.

For more stories of truckers recognized as Highway Angels, visit the Truckload Carriers Association’s official website.

Source: The Trucker

Image Source: Heather Barkey (Source: TCA)

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The incident happened around noon on June 17. Reinhad, a professional driver with Halvor Lines Inc. out of Superior, Wisconsin, had only been with the company for two weeks when she came upon a vehicle stopped at a weigh station exit. The truck was blocking traffic, and something didn’t seem right.

“I said, ‘Are you okay?’” Reinhad recalled. “He couldn’t talk; I said, ‘Do you need medical attention?’ It took me forever to call 911. Can you believe 911 never answered?”

Unable to get through to emergency dispatch, she reached out to a nearby county’s state police, who then connected her with the right responders. Reinhad stayed with the man, who was on oxygen, until help arrived. First responders were able to assist the driver, and state troopers moved his truck safely out of the way.

“He was an older gentleman — hopefully he was okay,” she added.

The Truckload Carriers Association (TCA) honored Reinhad with a Highway Angel award for her actions. Since the program began in 1997, the TCA has recognized nearly 1,500 truck drivers who’ve gone above and beyond to help others while on the road. Sponsors, including EpicVue, DriverFacts, and Northland Insurance, support the program.

Reinhad’s quick thinking and willingness to step in highlight the kind of support truckers often provide for one another—especially in moments when every second counts.

Image and Source: Truckers News

The post North Carolina Trucker Recognized for Assisting Unresponsive Driver in Kentucky appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

The Incident on Interstate 471

Around 1:30 a.m., Burgoon came across a devastating crash on Interstate 471 near Exit 2 in Cincinnati. The collision involved a car traveling the wrong way on the interstate and a semi-truck heading northbound. The impact, according to Burgoon, occurred at approximately 70 miles per hour.

“I came up on a wreck that just happened,” he recalled. “I’m pretty sure they were going 70 miles an hour driving straight into each other. I just know [the car] was on the wrong side of the highway and went head-on with that truck.”

The aftermath left the car in flames, with the driver trapped inside. Acting quickly, Burgoon stopped his truck and rushed to assist. He extinguished the fire around the driver’s feet, put out flames engulfing the car’s front end, and cut the driver’s seatbelt. Working alongside first responders, Burgoon helped move the injured man to safety.

The crash victim suffered significant injuries, including severe damage to his left arm and deep facial wounds. Reflecting on the situation, Burgoon said, “I got his seatbelt undone, but I don’t think there would have been any way we could’ve pried him out of there. He was in there pretty good.”

Drawing on Army Training to Save a Life

Burgoon, a truck driver of 10 years, credits his Army training for helping him stay composed and act decisively. When asked about his willingness to help, he explained how his values guided his actions.

“You do what you can do,” he said. “There’s no way I could just leave him in there; it’s absurd to me to even think that.” Burgoon emphasized that he would want someone to do the same if it were his family member in trouble.

Recognition as a Highway Angel

Burgoon’s bravery and selflessness have earned him the esteemed title of TCA Highway Angel. The program celebrates truck drivers who go above and beyond to demonstrate compassion and courage while out on the road.

Source: Truckers News

Image: Tommy Burgoon, Truckers News

The post ABF Freight Driver Recognized as a TCA Highway Angel for Heroic Actions at Crash Scene appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

PennDOT received the prestigious Grand Prize for its swift actions on the I-95/Cottman Avenue Emergency Response project. WVDOT’s innovative Wellsburg Bridge project won the People’s Choice Award, recognized for bridging the gap between communities that had long been disconnected.

“We are incredibly proud of the two winning projects, which demonstrate how both states respond to their residents’ needs, whether through emergency repairs or reconnecting communities,” said Jim Tymon, executive director of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO).

PennDOT was tested in June 2023, when a devastating fire, sparked by a fuel tanker accident, shut down a crucial stretch of I-95 in Philadelphia—a major north-south corridor. In just 12 days, PennDOT’s $4.5 million project team created a temporary wall and roadway to restore this essential route, providing a swift solution to an unexpected challenge.

The $168 million Wellsburg Bridge project by WVDOT restored a long-needed link between Brilliant, Ohio, and Wellsburg, West Virginia. Before the bridge, the communities were connected only by a ferry service, which had since ceased. This project shortened travel times by eliminating a 30-minute detour and maintained barge traffic flow on the river throughout construction.

Sponsored by AASHTO, AAA, and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the America’s Transportation Awards honor state transportation projects that make a positive impact on local communities nationwide. This year’s program saw 106 nominations from 39 states.

Both winning projects were awarded $10,000, which recipients can donate to a charity or a scholarship related to transportation.

Source: Truckers News

Image: ASHTO

The post I-95 Emergency Repairs in Pennsylvania Honored with Top Transportation Award appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

Key Restrictions to Note

Though vehicles are now able to move, the interstate remains inaccessible to oversized loads that are more than 12 feet wide.

In a recent update on Facebook, the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) stated:

“From MM 39 to MM 40, traffic will shift entirely to the westbound lanes, with one lane traveling each way. The westbound bridge has been given a temporary fix, allowing vehicles to safely cross the Nolichucky River.”

“Work continues on a permanent repair on the eastbound side. Once the eastbound bridge repair is complete, traffic will be shifted to the eastbound lanes so the permanent repair can be done on the westbound bridge.”

“Because the bridge is being shared by both directions of traffic, oversized loads CANNOT make it through.”

This partial reopening marks a crucial milestone, especially amid the ongoing closure of I-40 for commercial vehicles. TDOT appreciates the dedication of their team, stating, “We continue to be proud of the crews working to make this possible, even as we know the work isn’t over until every road is repaired.”

Stay Informed

For up-to-date information on road conditions and ongoing repairs, follow TDOT on their social media platforms and website.

Source: Truckers News

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