Chris Wetzel, Prince Bali, Karamjit Singh Cheema, and Scott Miller were honored for their actions in separate incidents involving a serious crash, stranded motorists during severe winter weather, and a tour bus accident. Each recipient received a Highway Angel certificate, lapel pin, patches, truck decals, and recognition for their employer.

Since launching the Highway Angels program in 1997, TCA has recognized nearly 1,400 professional drivers for acts of kindness, courtesy, and courage while on the job. EpicVue presents the program with support from DriverFacts and Northland Insurance.

Chris Wetzel Assisted an Injured Deputy Following a Missouri Crash

Chris Wetzel, a driver for Anderson Trucking Service, received the Highway Angel Award after helping rescue a law enforcement officer following a crash on Interstate 49 near Joplin, Missouri.

According to TCA, the incident occurred on April 1, 2026, when a deputy responding to an emergency call collided with the trailer of a semi truck traveling ahead of Wetzel.

After stopping at the scene, Wetzel joined others in helping remove the injured deputy from the vehicle. He also used the deputy’s radio to issue a 10-33 emergency call, notifying dispatch that an officer was down and providing the crash location. Emergency responders transported the deputy to a nearby hospital, where he was reported to be in stable condition.

Wetzel remained at the scene to assist until emergency personnel had the situation under control.

Team Drivers Helped Motorists During Heavy Snowfall

Prince Bali and Karamjit Singh Cheema, who drive for Triple Eight Transport, were recognized after helping stranded motorists during severe winter weather near Hope, British Columbia.

While traveling from Calgary to Abbotsford on March 17, 2026, the team encountered heavy snowfall and hazardous road conditions. After reaching a traffic backup, they noticed a family whose vehicle had become stuck on an uphill section of the road. Before assisting the family, the drivers also stopped to help another truck driver whose trailer had become stuck in the snow.

Using recovery straps from their truck, Bali and Singh Cheema worked together to pull the family’s vehicle free, restart the electric vehicle, and make sure the occupants could safely continue their trip.

Scott Miller Assisted Passengers After Wisconsin Bus Crash

Scott Miller, a driver for America’s Service Line, was honored for helping passengers following a tour bus crash near Interstate 43 in Green Bay, Wisconsin.

The crash occurred on March 22, 2026, when the bus lost control while exiting the highway, crossed multiple lanes, struck a curb, became airborne, and came to rest after traveling more than 100 yards down an embankment. More than 50 people were on board, and at least 41 passengers were injured.

After calling 911, Miller approached the damaged bus and helped passengers while first responders were on the way. TCA said he remained at the scene for approximately 90 minutes, assisting emergency personnel and comforting injured passengers, including one woman who was trapped near the bus entrance until rescuers arrived.

Authorities continue to investigate the crash, including possible mechanical issues, while law enforcement has filed charges against the bus driver.

Drivers can learn more about the Highway Angels program or nominate a professional driver for recognition by visiting highwayangel.org.

Last Updated: July 20, 2026

Source: TCA, Truckload Authority, The Trucker

Image Source: TCA, The Trucker

The post TCA Honors Four Professional Drivers with Highway Angel Awards appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

New Hampshire Attorney General John M. Formella announced that the state’s Department of Justice is partnering with the National Traffic Law Center, the New Hampshire Department of Safety, and other traffic safety partners on the initiative, which is intended to improve highway safety.

Program Focuses on CDL Conviction Reporting

The state is participating in a $7.9 million pilot project funded by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).

According to the attorney general’s office, the program is intended to increase awareness of federal and state prohibitions against masking commercial driver convictions, improve the accuracy of commercial driver conviction reporting, and help ensure disqualified commercial drivers are removed from the nation’s roadways.

Statewide Working Group to Lead the Initiative

As part of the program, the New Hampshire Department of Justice will lead a statewide working group made up of representatives from agencies involved in investigating, prosecuting, adjudicating, licensing, and tracking commercial driver offenses.

The group will focus on:

• Providing education and training for prosecutors, law enforcement officers, judges, clerks, and traffic safety professionals on federal and state CDL requirements, including anti-masking laws.
• Improving statewide compliance with federal reporting requirements.
• Developing a state implementation plan to ensure the accurate and timely transfer of information from roadside enforcement through the conviction reporting process.

Attorney General Highlights Highway Safety

Formella said the partnership is intended to strengthen coordination among prosecutors, law enforcement, the courts, and state and federal partners responsible for enforcing commercial driver’s license laws.

“Traffic safety is public safety,” Formella said. “This partnership will strengthen coordination among prosecutors, law enforcement, the courts, and our state and federal partners to ensure that commercial driver’s license laws are enforced consistently and accurately.”

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 17, 2026

Source: Truckers News

The post New Hampshire Selected for FMCSA Pilot Program to Strengthen CDL Enforcement appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

The contest, now in its 35th year, introduced the “Keep Our Land Grand” theme and drew nearly 2,200 entries from close to 200 schools across 67 counties. Students from kindergarten through 12th grade across public, private, charter, tribal, home school, and correctional education programs participated, expanding the reach of the message into communities connected to the same highways drivers depend on.

Fifteen students earned recognition across four grade divisions, along with additional promotional awards. Winners received top honors and cash prizes, including $300 for first place and the Promotional Poster of the Year.

Kindergarten through Second Grade

• First Place: Josephine C., 2nd Grade, Pittsburg County
• Second Place: Hallie H., 1st Grade, McClain County
• Third Place: Eilee K., 1st Grade, McCurtain County

Third through Fifth Grade

• First Place: Anamaria S., 4th Grade, Oklahoma County
• Second Place: Maria W., 4th Grade, Oklahoma County
• Third Place: Ruth E., 5th Grade, Cleveland County

Sixth through Eighth Grade

• First Place: Westley G., 6th Grade, Bryan County
• Second Place: Sadie B., 7th Grade, McCurtain County
• Third Place: Sutton L., 6th Grade, Bryan County

Ninth through Twelfth Grade

• First Place: Lailey I., 12th Grade, Marshall County
• Second Place: Franchesca L. V., 12th Grade, Love County
• Third Place: Emily E., 12th Grade, Woodward County

Promotional Art

• Entry Form Poster: Layla K., 7th Grade, Comanche County
• Postcard: Isabella W., 12th Grade, McClain County
• Promotional Poster: Rilyn T., 11th Grade, Bryan County

Winners were recognized during an April 15 ceremony and honored at the Oklahoma State Capitol. Their artwork will be featured in ODOT’s 2027 calendar, which is set for release in December and will be distributed across the state and beyond, keeping the message visible to residents, travelers, and commercial drivers throughout the year.

For drivers, roadside litter is more than an appearance issue. Debris can damage tires, create unsafe lane conditions, and increase cleanup operations that affect traffic flow. Programs like this are designed to influence long-term habits, encouraging cleaner roads that benefit everyone using them.

“This program empowers students to use creativity to be part of the solution,” said Rhonda Fair, director of community engagement for ODOT. “The transition to the Keep Our Land Grand Art Contest reflects that vision, giving students a bigger platform to share their creativity and inspire all Oklahomans to keep our state clean and beautiful.”

The next Keep Our Land Grand Art Contest is scheduled to begin in early September 2026, with entries due by October 31, 2026. The program will continue using student artwork to promote litter-free highways and reinforce safer road conditions across Oklahoma.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Keep Our Land Grand Art Contest?
It is an annual student art contest organized by ODOT to promote litter-free highways and communities across Oklahoma.

How many students participated in 2026?
Nearly 2,200 students from almost 200 schools across 67 counties entered the contest.

How many winners were selected?
Fifteen students across four grade divisions, along with additional promotional award winners.

What do winners receive?
Cash prizes, recognition, and placement in statewide materials, including the ODOT calendar.

When does the next contest begin?
Early September 2026, with entries due by October 31, 2026.

Cleaner highways depend on consistent effort from everyone on the road. Programs like this extend that responsibility beyond drivers and into the communities connected to the same routes.

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: The Trucker

The post Oklahoma DOT Student Art Contest Highlights Effort to Keep Highways Clear appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

If those numbers hold, it would mark the 15th straight quarterly decline and stand as one of the largest drops recorded under the Fatality Analysis Reporting System.

More Travel, Fewer Fatalities

What makes the data stand out is that the decline comes at a time when travel is increasing. Preliminary figures from the Federal Highway Administration show more vehicle miles traveled, not less.

Even with that added volume, fatalities still moved lower. The decrease was not isolated either. It showed up across most of the country, with 39 states, along with Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico, reporting fewer deaths.

Where Officials Are Pointing

Federal agencies have tied the shift to a mix of enforcement and broader safety efforts. Increased coordination with law enforcement has been a key part of that approach, along with targeting high-risk driving behaviors.

“In the past year alone, we’ve partnered with our incredible law enforcement officers to get dangerous foreign truck drivers off the roads and educate the public about the dangers of distracted driving, drunk driving, and driving without a seat belt,” U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said.

There has also been attention on identifying unqualified drivers and keeping them off the road.

Continued Focus on Behavior

Alongside enforcement, agencies continue to push messaging around behaviors that lead to serious crashes. Distracted driving, impaired driving, and failure to wear a seat belt remain consistent factors in fatal incidents.

“NHTSA is doing our part by doubling down on safety strategies that reduce risky driving behaviors before they cost lives,” said NHTSA Administrator Jonathan Morrison.

What the Numbers Suggest

These are still estimates, but the direction is clear. Fatalities are trending down even as traffic levels rise. That combination points to changes in how safety is being managed and enforced.

Whether that trend continues will depend on how those efforts hold up over time, especially with more vehicles on the road and ongoing pressure on the system.

The post Highway Safety Improves as Fatal Crash Numbers Drop Across the U.S. appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

The annual Highway Angels program highlights moments where truck drivers step in during emergencies, often before first responders arrive. This year’s honorees were selected for decisions made in real time, under pressure, in situations where hesitation could have cost lives.

2025 Highway Angels of the Year

• Terry Walde, Searcy Trucking Ltd.
• Deshown Moye, Melton Truck Lines
• Heather Barkey, Nussbaum Transportation

Each driver encountered a different emergency. The common thread was immediate action.

Terry Walde Acts After a Hit and Run in Saskatchewan

Terry Walde, a veteran driver with more than 40 years behind the wheel, was traveling eastbound on Highway 1 in Saskatchewan on May 27, 2025. Debris covered the roadway. Traffic was still moving.

Moments later, Walde found a cyclist who had been struck by a semi truck in a hit-and-run crash.

Walde stopped. He checked the cyclist’s breathing. He stayed calm. He relayed injury details to emergency responders and then took on another role, directing traffic around the scene to prevent further harm.

He remained there for several hours.

Dashcam footage later provided by Searcy Trucking helped authorities identify and charge the driver responsible. Walde’s actions kept the cyclist alive long enough for help to arrive and ensured accountability followed.

Deshown Moye Responds to Major Crash on I-65

On April 28, 2025, Deshown Moye was driving through Alabama when he came upon the aftermath of a violent multi-vehicle crash on Interstate 65.

A small sedan had been forced underneath a tractor-trailer. The driver inside was trapped and critically injured. Smoke was visible.

Moye pulled over, checked for hazards, and called 911. He moved quickly but carefully.

With the woman’s consent, he relieved pressure from her seatbelt, stabilized her injuries, and stayed with her for nearly 45 minutes. He talked to her. He kept her conscious. He did not leave until emergency crews arrived.

His presence mattered.

Heather Barkey Pulls Driver From Overturned Truck

Late on June 18, 2025, Heather Barkey was nearing her terminal in Mount Vernon, Illinois, when she noticed a truck rolled over along the roadway.

No one else had stopped.

The vehicle was leaking fuel. Smoke was present. The driver was trapped.

Barkey pulled over, activated her hazard lights, and called 911. Using a flashlight she already had in her cab, she broke a window and helped the driver escape before conditions worsened.

She stayed on scene until law enforcement confirmed the driver was safe.

Recognition at TCA Annual Convention

All three drivers will be formally honored during the Awards Luncheon on Monday, March 2, held in conjunction with the TCA Annual Convention in Orlando.

Each honoree will receive:

• A complimentary EpicVue satellite TV package
• A 24-inch television
• DVR
• One year of DIRECTV programming

About the TCA Highway Angel Program

“Since its inception in 1997, TCA’s Highway Angel program has recognized nearly 1,500 professional truck drivers for exemplary kindness, courtesy, and courage displayed while on the job,” TCA said.

The program is sponsored by EpicVue, Northland Insurance, and DriverFacts.

Drivers can be nominated by fellow motorists, law enforcement, carriers, or members of the public.

To nominate a driver or learn more about the program, visit the TCA Highway Angel page here.

Source: The Trucker

The post TCA Names 2025 Highway Angels of the Year appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

The Federal Highway Administration is conducting a nationwide survey to assess how well states are providing parking and rest facilities for commercial motor vehicles involved in interstate transportation. The effort is aimed at better understanding current capacity, gaps, and limitations related to truck parking infrastructure.

Separate Surveys for Drivers and Carriers

FHWA is collecting feedback through two separate surveys, one designed specifically for truck drivers and another for motor carriers. By separating responses, the agency is seeking clearer insight into how parking availability affects both day-to-day operations and broader fleet planning.

The survey focuses on the ability of states to support required rest periods and safe parking needs tied to hours-of-service compliance.

Deadline and Contact Information

Survey responses must be submitted by February 27.

Anyone with questions about the survey or participation process may contact Walter Satterfield at walter.satterfield@dot.gov.

FHWA’s findings are expected to inform future discussions around truck parking policy, funding priorities, and infrastructure planning at the state and federal level.

Source: Truckers News

The post FHWA Seeks Driver and Carrier Input on Truck Parking Availability appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

In Maine, state troopers are now taking direct action to address those behaviors.

The Maine State Police recently announced a targeted enforcement effort focused specifically on passenger car violations that create dangerous situations for commercial motor vehicles.

Enforcement effort centers on commercial vehicle safety

According to a recent Facebook post from the Maine State Police, Troop K’s Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Unit has launched an initiative aimed at reducing crashes by holding passenger vehicle drivers accountable for unsafe behavior around trucks.

“The Troop K Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Unit recently started an initiative to target passenger car violations in the context of commercial vehicle safety as a proactive approach to enhance highway safety in Maine. With a significant percentage (65%) of fatal commercial vehicle crashes in 2025 attributed to passenger cars, this strategy aims to mitigate risks and improve overall traffic safety.”

For truck drivers, that statistic reflects what many experience firsthand. While professional drivers are often held to higher standards, the actions of nearby passenger vehicles frequently create the most dangerous situations.

Focus areas include high truck traffic corridors.

Troopers concentrated their enforcement efforts in areas with heavy commercial vehicle volume, where interactions between trucks and passenger cars are most frequent.

“The enforcement details in Bangor, Winthrop, and the greater Portland area were particularly important due to the high volume of commercial traffic in these towns. By focusing on passenger cars that violate traffic laws around commercial trucks, the unit seeks to create safer interactions between these vehicles and commercial trucks, which is crucial for preventing accidents.”

For carriers and drivers operating through these regions, the effort represents a shift away from enforcement that focuses solely on trucks and toward shared responsibility on the road.

Initiative aligns with national safety goals.

The Maine State Police say the program supports broader safety objectives shared with federal regulators, including reducing crashes involving commercial motor vehicles.

“This initiative aligns with Troop K and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administrator’s (FMCSA) broader goals of reducing crashes, injuries, and fatalities involving commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) through inspections, enforcement, data quality, and promoting safer transportation of hazardous materials, as well as creating safer road conditions for everyone.”

The approach emphasizes that highway safety does not rest solely on professional drivers. Passenger vehicle behavior plays a major role in crash outcomes, particularly when large trucks are involved.

What this means for truck drivers and carriers

For drivers, the enforcement effort may help reduce some of the most common and dangerous interactions they face every day. For carriers, it signals growing recognition that improving truck safety also requires addressing how other motorists behave around commercial vehicles.

While enforcement alone will not eliminate unsafe driving, targeted efforts like this may help reinforce the idea that sharing the road with trucks requires patience, awareness, and respect from all drivers.

As more states examine crash data and enforcement priorities, similar initiatives could expand beyond Maine, offering truck drivers additional protection on busy freight corridors.

Source: Truckers News

The post Maine State Police Shift Focus to Passenger Vehicle Behavior Around Trucks appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

Four drivers were recently named TCA Highway Angels for their actions while on the road: Phil Damme of Online Transport, Owen Lewis of Sharp Transportation Inc., Marco Medel Morga of AAA Cooper Transportation, and John Bradley of James River Carriers.

Each was recognized for helping fellow motorists and drivers during emergencies, often before first responders arrived.

Recognizing professionalism beyond the wheel

As part of the honor, each Highway Angel receives a certificate, lapel pin, patches, and truck decals. Their employers are also presented with a certificate recognizing their driver’s actions.

Since the Highway Angels program began in 1997, nearly 1,400 professional drivers have been honored for acts of kindness, courage, and professionalism displayed while doing their jobs. The program is supported by presenting sponsor EpicVue, along with DriverFacts and Northland Insurance.

Drivers can be nominated for the program, and more information on current and past Highway Angel recipients is available at highwayangel.org.

Phil Damme steps in after a rollover

Shortly before 11 p.m. on October 5, 2025, Phil Damme was driving on Interstate 68 in Maryland when he noticed flickering headlights and sparks ahead near Ellicott City. As he slowed, he discovered an overturned semi blocking the roadway.

“He actually turned the whole thing over,” he said, referring to the driver of the crashed truck. “He ended up in the median.”

Damme was one of the first to arrive at the scene. He helped remove the shattered windshield to reach the injured driver trapped inside the cab. Seeing heavy bleeding from the man’s arm, Damme used his own belt as a tourniquet while waiting for emergency responders.

“He was bleeding pretty bad,” Damme said. “I put my belt up above his elbow and tightened it really, really tight to slow down the bleeding.”

Damme later said he believed he was in the right place at the right time and credited his faith for guiding his actions.

Owen Lewis stops to help after an early morning crash

On November 9, 2025, at around 6 a.m., Owen Lewis was traveling westbound on Interstate 80 near Harlan, Iowa, when he witnessed a car crash in the eastbound lanes. He pulled over immediately.

“When I got there, the car was about 100 feet or so off the side of the highway, down in an irrigation ditch,” he said.

Lewis found a young woman who had exited the vehicle. She was not injured but was cold. After contacting emergency services and her parents, she waited in Lewis’ truck to stay warm until the Iowa State Patrol arrived.

Her family later shared their appreciation with Lewis’ employer.

“We are very grateful for his kindness and how he kept her safe and warm until the state trooper got to the scene. Owen is a model employee who your company is lucky to have on board. We appreciate what he did for our daughter yesterday!” wrote Emily Truitt and Toby Knoop.

“I’ve always felt like if something happens, I need to stop and make sure everything is OK,” Lewis said.

Marco Medel Morga rescues passengers from a burning vehicle

Around 12:30 p.m. on July 15, 2025, Marco Medel Morga was traveling east on Interstate 88 near Kaneville, Illinois, when he witnessed a serious crash just ahead of him.

“I was so close to hitting them — but I got lucky,” he said.

Morga pulled over and ran to the scene, where one of the vehicles had caught fire.

“The car was on fire, and nobody was getting out of it,” Morga said. “I got nervous about the people in the car. I had to go help them.”

He helped one passenger escape from the burning vehicle. The other occupant was also able to exit safely before emergency crews arrived.

John Bradley prevents a medical emergency from escalating

On the morning of September 15, 2025, John Bradley was at a customer location in Richmond when he noticed another driver preparing to pull away after incorrectly hooking up to a trailer. After helping correct the issue, Bradley noticed the driver slump over the steering wheel as the truck began to roll forward.

“I called 911,” said Bradley. “I couldn’t leave him because I knew something was wrong.”

Bradley blocked traffic, climbed into the truck, and brought it to a stop. He stayed with the driver until emergency responders arrived and later learned the driver had experienced a blood sugar emergency.

“I’m glad he was all right,” Bradley said. “I stayed with him until the ambulance came.”

A reminder of what defines the profession

The Highway Angels program highlights moments that reflect the responsibility and character carried by professional drivers every day. These actions often go unseen, but they leave a lasting impact on the people involved.

This story originally appeared in the January February 2026 edition of Truckload Authority, the official publication of the Truckload Carriers Association.

Source: The Trucker

The post Highway Heroes in Action: TCA Highway Angels Make a Difference on the Road appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

The Midwest Commercial Vehicle Safety Summit takes place December 16 and 17 at the Loews Kansas City Hotel. Attendance is free, and organizers want to see a stronger turnout from the men and women behind the wheel.

Why Drivers Are Being Asked to Attend

Past summits have attracted large groups of government officials, law enforcement agencies, university researchers, and insurance representatives. What they have not had is a strong group of working truck drivers sharing real on-the-road experiences.

OOIDA hopes to change that in 2025. Executive Vice President Lewie Pugh says drivers need to be part of the conversations shaping future regulations.

“If you can attend, please come,” Pugh said. “This is a chance for you to listen, ask questions, and give input to DOT and others about the things that need to be done to truly improve highway safety. There is no one more knowledgeable about this topic than the nation’s professional drivers. There are plenty of decision-makers who care about highway safety, but they aren’t always sure about the right approach to take. That’s why the men and women who make their living on the interstate need to point them in the right direction. I can assure you that there will be plenty of safety advocates and others in attendance who will be telling them a much different story about what must be done to improve safety.”

Registration Details

Registration is free and must be completed by the end of the day on Wednesday, December 10. Drivers who want a voice in upcoming safety decisions can secure a spot through the event’s registration page.

What Drivers Can Expect at the Summit

The summit begins at 8:30 a.m. on December 16. FMCSA Administrator Derek Barrs and FMCSA Regional Field Administrator Winsome Lenfert are scheduled to open the event.

Across two days, drivers will have access to multiple breakout sessions focused on safety challenges affecting the industry. Topics include:

• Truck Leasing Task Force
• Technology improvements for CMV safety
• Drug and alcohol prevention
• Crash research
• Market shifts and the trucking economy
• Automation
• Speed prevention strategies
• Human trafficking prevention
• Cargo theft and freight fraud
• The impact of ELDs

OOIDA will be active in several discussions throughout the summit.

OOIDA President Todd Spencer will speak during a session titled “Truck Leasing Task Force: Findings, Impacts and Next Steps” from 1 to 2:30 p.m. on December 16. Spencer will join Steve Viscelli and Steve Rush to talk about how predatory lease-purchase setups can affect safety.

Later that afternoon, OOIDA Foundation Director Andrew King will participate in “Economic Signals, Freight Flows and Safety Outcomes” alongside Mat Leo from C.H. Robinson. The session runs from 3 to 4 p.m. and covers how economic pressure influences safety decisions.

On December 17 at 10:30 a.m., Pugh will sit on another panel with FMCSA officials for a session titled “Fighting Back: Cargo Theft and Fraud in the Freight Supply Chain.” Pugh will address how freight fraud harms small trucking businesses, while FMCSA’s Ken Riddle and others will outline the agency’s actions to combat it.

A full agenda is available here for anyone planning to attend.

Why This Matters for Drivers

Drivers are the ones dealing with real-world conditions every day. When you attend and share your perspective, you help ensure that future safety policies reflect actual road experience rather than assumptions. The summit gives drivers a rare chance to guide discussions that may influence regulations for years to come.

Source: Land Line Media

The post Truck Drivers Encouraged to Attend Kansas City Safety Summit This December appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

Here are the drivers whose actions earned them the Highway Angel title, along with the stories behind those moments.

John Patterson

Melton Truck Lines, Tulsa, Oklahoma

While heading to pick up a load in Tulsa on June 9, 2025, John Patterson watched two cars collide right in front of him. One vehicle ended up in a ditch and was filled with smoke. The door was stuck, and the driver was unconscious and bleeding. Patterson forced the door open, got the driver out, and moved him to safety.

“They were trapped; there was a little bit of blood, and there was smoke everywhere,” he said. “That’s why I got them out because there was smoke everywhere.”

The second vehicle had crashed into another ditch with two passengers who only spoke French. Patterson broke the window, pulled them out, and used his medical kit to treat their injuries.

“Somebody was in danger, somebody was hurt and stuck,” Patterson said. “If it were you, you’d want somebody to come help you.”

Dee Leatherwood

Melton Truck Lines, Tulsa, Oklahoma

On July 10, 2025, near Atlanta, Dee Leatherwood spotted smoke and sparks under a pickup. When the driver stopped on the shoulder, Leatherwood noticed a child’s car seat and reacted instantly. He parked, grabbed his extinguisher, and knocked down the flames before they spread.

“I looked at that car seat and luckily there wasn’t a baby in it,” he said. “I kept the fire as low as I could until the fire department arrived.”

His quick response kept the situation from turning catastrophic.

“I wasn’t worried about anything other than if there was a little one inside that pickup truck,” he said. “I would hope that anyone would do that in that situation, whether they had a fire extinguisher or not.”

Kevin Wojtasiak

Bay and Bay Transportation, Eagan, Minnesota

Just before dawn on June 29, 2025, Kevin Wojtasiak witnessed a vehicle completely engulfed in flames on Interstate 35 in Minnesota. He stopped immediately and helped the driver and three passengers get to safety, offering water and reassurance while waiting for emergency crews.

“They hit a deer. I saw a dead deer in the road, and all of a sudden I saw a flaming vehicle,” he said. “A fire extinguisher wouldn’t have done any good. The vehicle was totally engulfed in flames.”

With more than two million safe miles, Wojtasiak’s reaction was no surprise to those who know him.

“We are incredibly proud of Kevin for his heroic actions,” said Savannah Snelgrove, marketing manager at Bay and Bay Transportation. “He represents the highest standards of our company and the trucking industry as a whole. Being named a TCA Highway Angel is a well-deserved honor.”

Amy Cataldo

Boyle Transportation, Billerica, Massachusetts

Early in the morning near Amarillo on September 24, 2025, Amy Cataldo watched a truck overturn in front of her during wet road conditions. She slowed, hit her flashers, called 911, and ran to help the injured driver.

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

The driver was disoriented and bleeding. Cataldo stayed with him and kept him calm until help arrived.

“The poor kid was really cut up. He was bleeding on his arms and his knuckles,” she said.
“What I did was what I would hope any other driver would do.”

Alexander Smith

Melton Truck Lines, Tulsa, Oklahoma

At about 2 a.m. on June 18, 2025, during heavy rain on Interstate 44, Alexander Smith watched a car hydroplane after passing him and another truck. The vehicle flipped multiple times before landing upright in the ditch. The other truck kept going, but Smith stopped and ran to the wreck.

“Honestly, after watching what happened, I thought, There’s no way this guy is alive,” Smith said.

The driver survived with cuts and scrapes and asked Smith to help find his phone. Smith got him out of the car, called 911, and stayed with him until responders arrived.

“I stopped because I was there,” Smith said. “Who else was gonna do it? I believe that you’re put in places for a reason.”

Kevin Olsen

Truline Corp., Las Vegas, Nevada

On June 4, 2025, Kevin Olsen saw a motorcyclist lose control and crash on U.S. 89 North in Garden City, Utah. With no cell service in the area, Olsen checked on the rider, who was having trouble breathing.

“I came to a stop and went to assess the situation,” he said. “He was having trouble breathing. I think it was as a result of the impact with the road.”

He provided ibuprofen and water and remained on scene for more than ninety minutes until help could be reached through another motorist’s satellite phone. He also slowed traffic to prevent additional crashes.

“I didn’t want to leave him hanging,” Olsen said. “I ride a motorcycle myself, and this easily could have been me. I felt like it was my responsibility to make sure he was taken care of.”

Jeanine Reinhard

Halvor Lines Inc., Superior, Wisconsin

At a weigh station in Kuttawa, Kentucky, on June 17, 2025, Jeanine Reinhard noticed another truck blocking the exit. When she walked up to the cab, she saw the driver was unresponsive and using an oxygen tank.

“I said, Are you okay? ‘” she said. “He couldn’t talk, so I said, Do you need medical attention”

She tried calling 911 and could not get an answer, but managed to reach the Kentucky State Police through another county. She stayed with the driver until first responders removed him from the truck and cleared the path.

“He was an older gentleman; hopefully, he was okay,” Reinhard said.

Terry Walde

Searcy Trucking Ltd., Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada

On May 27, 2025, around midday on Highway 1 in Saskatchewan, Terry Walde slowed for debris and quickly realized a cyclist had been struck in a hit-and-run by a semi. The injuries were severe, and another driver called 911 while Walde tended to the victim.

“I saw the bicycle and I also saw the guy lying there beside the bicycle,” Walde said.

The cyclist suffered fractures and had trouble breathing. Tire tracks showed the truck had run over the victim before leaving the scene.

“You could see the right tire tracks of the tractor-trailer went right over him on the grass,” Walde said.

Walde stayed for hours directing traffic until emergency crews arrived. Dash cam footage from his company later helped identify the hit-and-run driver.

“I’m old school, it’s the way I was taught,” Walde said. “We help each other.”

Recognizing Drivers Who Go Above and Beyond

Recipients receive a certificate, lapel pin, patches, and truck decals. Their companies are also recognized for their drivers’ actions. Since the Highway Angels program began in 1997, nearly fourteen hundred drivers have been honored.

Want to nominate a fellow driver or learn more about TCA Highway Angels? Visit highwayangel.org to read stories, submit nominations, and celebrate the heroes of the road.

Source: The Trucker

The post Honoring Highway Angels Who Stepped Up When It Mattered Most appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.