Trucker Receives TCA Highway Angel Recognition for Alerting Driver to Danger

TruckDriversUSA — Fri, 06 Jun 2025 14:00:20 +0000

Stan Combs, a truck driver from Lexington, N.C., has been recognized by the Truckload Carriers Association (TCA) as a Highway Angel for his quick thinking and heroic actions on the road. Combs, who drives for ABF Freight out of Fort Smith, Ark., demonstrated extraordinary care and vigilance by alerting another driver to a potentially hazardous situation.

A Morning on Interstate 81

On the morning of April 23, while traveling northbound on Interstate 81 between Roanoke and Harrisonburg, Va., Combs noticed sparks flying from a GMC pickup truck in front of him.

“I thought it was chains dragging,” Combs said. “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.”

Combs’ persistence paid off, as the driver of the pickup truck began to pull over.

“I knew something was gonna happen,” Combs said.

Just as the truck started to stop, its right front wheel detached completely. Fortunately, the driver managed to bring the truck to the side of the road safely.

“Sparks went everywhere,” Combs said. “It went from a few sparks to, when it hit the ground, it was like somebody set a fire underneath it.”

A Commitment to Safety

Combs, a seasoned professional with 16 years of driving experience, immediately pulled over to check on the driver and two passengers. He ensured they were unharmed and verified that the vehicle had not caught fire.

“I’m always gonna stop,” Combs said, emphasizing his dedication to safety and helping others whenever needed.

Recognizing Exceptional Drivers

The TCA Highway Angel program honors drivers like Stan Combs, who go above and beyond to ensure the safety of others on the road. His alertness and willingness to act demonstrate the best qualities of professional truck drivers.

For more incredible stories of TCA Highway Angels, click here.

Source: The Trucker
Image Source: TCA

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Trucker Honored as TCA Highway Angel for Heroic Act

TruckDriversUSA — Fri, 30 May 2025 13:00:02 +0000

The Truckload Carriers Association (TCA) has named Kerry Netusil, a truck driver from Hawley, Pennsylvania, as a TCA Highway Angel for his courageous efforts in extinguishing a blazing pickup truck on the side of the road.

Rescuing in the Line of Duty

On April 22, at 12:25 p.m. in Archdale, North Carolina, Netusil, a driver for Bay & Bay Transportation based in Eagan, Minnesota, stepped into action when he saw an older model pickup truck engulfed in flames on the shoulder of Highway 85.

“I pulled over and ran back with my fire extinguisher,” he said.

The fire caused significant damage to the truck, leaving it totaled. The driver of the pickup sustained injuries to his hand after the fire broke out. The cause of the blaze was traced to a plugged-in cell phone.

“The guy’s truck was totaled,” Netusil noted. “And he definitely burned part of his hand in the fire.”

A Legacy of Heroism

Netusil’s courage and quick action can be attributed to his family’s legacy. With a father and grandfather who were both firefighters, stepping up to help others is in his DNA.

“I don’t like the idea of people losing stuff because I didn’t feel like pulling over,” he explained. “It just doesn’t sit right with me.”

Netusil, who has been a truck driver for eight years, exemplifies the selflessness and bravery that the TCA Highway Angel program recognizes.

Learn More

To discover more stories of heroic truck drivers celebrated as TCA Highway Angels, visit the TCA Highway Angel page.