Nelson was traveling through California on May 21 after making a delivery when he stopped at a rest area along Interstate 40. While there, he noticed a family whose daughter’s vehicle had broken down after overheating in the desert heat during a trip from Los Angeles to New York.

Nelson first checked to see whether he could help determine what was wrong with the vehicle. After returning to his truck for supper, he said he kept thinking about the family.

“Afterwards I went back to my truck and was starting to eat supper, and it was weighing real heavy on me,” Nelson recalled. “The Lord was speaking to me and told me to go back and check on them, see if they needed any food or water or anything.”

When Nelson went back, he learned the family had been waiting for a tow truck and had run out of food and water.

“So I went back to my truck and got some snacks and some water,” he said. “They had called the tow truck, but it hadn’t come yet, and they were out of food and water. They didn’t have anything.”

Nelson shared what he had and stayed with the family until help arrived.

“I just couldn’t feel right about not at least offering to share with them what I had,” he said.

His actions prompted motorist Scott Morrison to nominate him for recognition through TCA’s Highway Angel program.

“Thank you,” Morrison wrote. “I’m not sure if Mike works for you, but if he does, he was very kind to us when our car broke down in California. He made sure we had water and any other necessities while we waited for AAA. His kindness was very appreciated.”

Nelson has been driving professionally since the mid 1990s and said he did not expect to be recognized for helping.

“I certainly wasn’t expecting it,” he said. “I was just thankful that, you know, you show a little kindness when somebody’s having some trouble.”

The Highway Angel program recognizes professional truck drivers who show courage, compassion, and service while on the road. More information about the program is available through the Truckload Carriers Association.

The TDUSA editorial team creates practical, driver-focused content covering trucking news, industry updates, safety, regulations, and career information for professional truck drivers across the United States. Each article is built to reflect real-world experience, industry developments, and information drivers can use on and off the road.

Last Updated: July 2, 2026

Source: Truckers News

image Source: Mike Nelson

The post Crawford Trucking Driver Named Highway Angel After Helping Stranded Family appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

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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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

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The Truckload Carriers Association (TCA) has named Donovan Collins, a truck driver from Deport, Texas, as a Highway Angel. Collins works for Dedicated Transportation Solutions, based in Greenville, South Carolina. His quick thinking and bravery at the scene of a car crash earned him this honorable title.

Source: Donovan Collins

A Rainy Morning Heroic Act

On February 11, around 4:30 a.m., Collins was traveling on Interstate 30 in Dallas amidst rainy conditions. Suddenly, his headlights revealed an overturned and unlit vehicle in the middle of the road.

“I saw him about 30 yards out,” Collins recalls. “I barely scraped past him.”

Reacting instantly, Collins turned on his hazard lights, safely parked his truck, and called 911. Without hesitation, he rushed to the mangled car with a flashlight in hand.

“I ran over with a flashlight to see who was in the car,” said Collins. “A guy was just lying there, not moving.”

Drawing on his Navy training, he freed the man from the wreckage and moved him to safety. Following instructions from the 911 operator, Collins began performing CPR until emergency personnel arrived.

A Personal Motivation to Help

For Collins, stopping to help came naturally. His own experiences with accidents where no one stopped to assist influenced his sense of duty.

“I stopped because I know what it’s like to be in an accident and have no one stop to help,” Collins shared. “Everyone else was driving by like they didn’t have a care in the world.”

This act of courage and empathy has earned Collins much-deserved recognition—not only as a truck driver but as a true Highway Angel.

Source: Truckers News

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The TCA reported the incident occurred on October 4th, around 3 p.m., in Peninsula, Ohio. A woman found herself stranded with her SUV on the edge of Seasons Road when Thomas, driving for ABF Freight based in Ft. Smith, Arkansas, noticed her distress and decided to help.

“She was kind of almost halfway in the intersection,” explained Thomas. “I hopped out and asked her if she had a spare tire? And she said yes — that’s what I did — I changed her tire.”

He spent approximately 20 minutes ensuring she was safely out of harm’s way, changing the tire, and providing reassurance.

“It’s just kindness, it’s just my nature,” Thomas mentioned. “I try to be a gentleman — I’m a truck driver and that’s what we do.”

Since its launch in August 1997, the TCA Highway Angel initiative has acknowledged nearly 1,400 truck drivers for their extraordinary acts of kindness, courtesy, and bravery while on duty. This program is made possible thanks to EpicVue, the presenting sponsor, along with DriverFacts and Northland Insurance, who support honoring exceptional drivers like Thomas.

Source: Truckers News

Image:TCA

The post ABF Freight Driver Honored as Highway Angel for Assisting Stranded Motorist appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

Here’s the sequence of events reported by the TCA:

On July 9, while traveling on a Missouri highway, Patterson observed a vehicle that had flipped and was emitting smoke.

“I saw a car on fire and pulled over to make sure they were okay,” Patterson recounted.

Demonstrating quick thinking, Patterson halted his truck, disembarked, and shattered the car’s windshield to access those trapped inside. He discovered four young adults and assisted each of them to safety. Emergency personnel arrived swiftly after, allowing Patterson to continue his journey to prevent traffic obstruction. Reflecting on the incident, he credited his military background for his swift actions.

“I’m prior military,” remarked the Navy veteran. “It’s just kinda in me.”

Since its establishment in August 1997, the TCA Highway Angels program has celebrated nearly 1,400 truck drivers for their remarkable acts of heroism, kindness, and goodwill on the road. This recognition is supported by sponsors like EpicVue, DriverFacts, and Northland Insurance, underscoring the inspiring deeds of truck drivers like Patterson.

Source: Truckers News

Image: TCA

The post Melton Truck Driver Honored for Brave Rescue Effort appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

Heroic Act on an Arizona Highway

The inspiring courage of Rudy Castellanos from Tucson, Arizona, has not gone unnoticed as he was recently named a TCA Highway Angel by the Truckload Carriers Association (TCA) for his lifesaving actions. Castellanos, a dedicated driver for Hi Pro Inc. in Twentynine Palms, California, is being honored for his swift and selfless response.

Details of the Highway Accident

At approximately 7 a.m. on July 2, Castellanos was navigating the mountainous roads near Tucson when he saw the unexpected happen. He was trailing closely behind another semi-truck when the truck’s rear tire exploded, causing it to overturn dramatically.

“There was a big noise,” Castellanos described, “and the truck just laid down on its right side.”

Reacting without delay, Castellanos pulled over and ran to assist the trapped driver, ensuring his safety. Fortunately, the driver received only minor injuries. Castellanos swiftly called 911 to report the accident. He then had to return to his job duties, showcasing his commitment.

“I was the only one who stopped,” Castellanos revealed. “I called 911 from my phone, and then I told him I had to leave to get back to work.”

Rudy Castellanos’s decisive actions and instinctive willingness to help highlight the virtues that embody professional truck drivers. His recognition by the Truckload Carriers Association underscores the bravery and dedication prevalent within the trucking profession.

Source: Truckers News

The post Arizona Trucker Honored for Heroic Rescue appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

earned this recognition for his courageous act in helping a woman who had rear-ended a semi-truck.

Chandler, a seasoned truck driver with 37 years of experience and a second-generation trucker, demonstrated exceptional bravery on April 20, 2024. The incident took place in the late afternoon amidst heavy rain on Interstate 30 in Morris County, Texas. Despite the poor visibility caused by the downpour, Chandler noticed a young woman speeding past him in the left lane. Shortly after, she attempted to merge back into the right lane, but the rain-splattered windshields obstructed her view, leading her to crash into the back of a semi-truck and flip multiple times into the median.

“She hit the back tire, and the momentum of her tire going forward, and his tire just launched her into midair,” Chandler recounted. “She went up about 20 feet into mid-air.”

Without hesitation, Chandler pulled over and rushed to assist. He found the woman, though responsive and only slightly injured, trapped in her vehicle. He also checked on the semi-truck driver, who was experiencing dizziness. Chandler called 911 to report the accident and stayed with both individuals until emergency services arrived. He provided crucial support at the scene, including handing over his dashcam footage of the accident to a state trooper.

Reflecting on his actions, Chandler said, “It’s always what we’re supposed to do. As a Christian and as a truck driver, I’m supposed to help wherever I can. To me, it was just another day at work.”

Since the inception of the Highway Angel program in 1997, supported by generous sponsors, nearly 1,500 professional truck drivers have been honored for their outstanding acts of kindness, courtesy, and courage.

For more information about the TCA Highway Angels, visit Highway Angel Program.

Source: The Trucker

The post Texas Truck Driver Roy Chandler Honored as Highway Angel by TCA appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

According to the TCA’s account:

On May 2, around 10:30 a.m. on Interstate 70 near Marshall, Missouri, Wilson saw a car in front of him lose control and veer off the road. The vehicle entered a ditch in a nearby field and began rolling at a high speed.

“It end-over-end crashed,” Wilson said. “I was only 100 feet away from him by the time I parked.”

Wilson quickly stopped his truck on the shoulder of I-70 and rushed over to the wrecked vehicle.

“Fear took over because airbags were covering the window,” Wilson said. “I was afraid if I looked in I was gonna see something I couldn’t unsee.”

When Wilson called out to the driver, he received a response. The driver, a large man, didn’t seem to have any severe injuries. He mentioned he was driving to Illinois to pick up his grandmother and take her to his graduation in Nebraska. His car was packed with belongings, likely from moving out of his college dorm.

The driver was trapped inside the car, unable to move. Wilson grabbed his arm and tried to help him out.

“I pulled him as far as I could and told him, ‘Hug me like I’m your best friend,'” Wilson said.

Following Wilson’s instructions, the driver was able to free himself from the car. Emergency responders arrived soon after, but the driver declined medical treatment. Wilson felt relieved that he had stopped to help.

“How could I just drive away?” he reflected. “It seemed impossible that anyone could survive that crash.”

Since the TCA Highway Angel program started in August 1997, nearly 1,400 truck drivers have been honored for their extraordinary kindness, courtesy, and bravery on the job. Thanks to the program’s sponsors, EpicVue, DriverFacts, and Northland Insurance, TCA can highlight remarkable drivers like Wilson.

Source: Truckers News

The post TCA Recognizes ACT Driver as Highway Angel for Assisting Crash Victim appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

Reynolds, who has been a truck driver for three and a half years, works for Hogan Transports, Inc. based in Maryland Heights, Missouri.

According to the TCA, the incident occurred on April 15 at 1 p.m. in Utica, Mississippi. Reynolds was traveling on MS27 when he noticed a Ford Mustang slowly drifting into his lane on the two-lane highway. The vehicle nearly came to a stop, almost causing a collision, before suddenly veering off the road and crashing headfirst into a ditch.

Reynolds immediately pulled over to check on the driver and discovered that the man was having a seizure behind the wheel.

“He was pretty much incoherent,” Reynolds said.

Another driver stopped to assist, and Reynolds asked him to call 911. They waited with the driver until the seizure ended. Though disoriented, the man attempted to call his father. Reynolds took charge, explaining the situation to the man’s father.

Once the accident victim was alert and able to walk on his own, Reynolds continued on his route.

“I wouldn’t leave somebody in a bad spot,” he said. “It doesn’t hurt to help somebody.”

Since the TCA Highway Angel program’s inception in August 1997, nearly 1,400 professional truck drivers have been recognized as TCA Highway Angels for displaying exemplary kindness, courtesy, and courage while on the job. Thanks to the program’s presenting sponsor, EpicVue, and supporting sponsors, DriverFacts and Northland Insurance, the TCA is able to highlight and celebrate outstanding drivers like Reynolds. His quick thinking and compassionate response at the scene of the accident exemplify the best qualities of professional truck drivers.

Source: Truckers News

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