The Samsara Driver Cup begins May 18 and will run in three scoring periods through mid-August. The competition is open to eligible U.S.-based Samsara customers, and drivers do not need to complete a separate signup if their organization qualifies.

Samsara said hundreds of thousands of drivers are expected to compete, with top performers eligible for prizes worth up to $1,000 during each stage of the competition.

The scoring periods are:

• May 18 through June 16
• June 17 through July 16
• July 17 through August 15

How Samsara Will Score Drivers

The competition will rank drivers across three categories.

Safety Consistency Champion focuses on long-term safe driving habits using metrics such as event-free miles, speeding behavior, mobile phone usage, and coaching completion.

HOS Compliance Champion measures hours of service performance by comparing violation time against total driving time.

Efficiency Champion evaluates fuel savings against similar vehicle configurations across Samsara’s network, including vehicle make, model, year, and engine type.

The company said route type, shift length, and vehicle type will also be considered, so drivers are compared more fairly across different operations.

Eligible Fleets Are Automatically Included

Samsara said drivers working for qualifying organizations are automatically entered into the competition.

To qualify, fleets must:

• Be a U.S.-based Samsara customer
• Have at least six months on the platform
• Maintain at least three enabled safety events
• Reach a trip assignment rate of 80% or higher

Driver scoring, selection, and prize distribution will be handled directly through Samsara’s platform.

Recognition Programs Continue Expanding Across Trucking

Driver recognition programs tied to measurable performance metrics have become more common throughout trucking as fleets continue focusing on retention, safety improvement, compliance tracking, and fuel management.

Samsara said the Driver Cup is intended to create a structured way for fleets to recognize strong driver performance without adding significant administrative work across large operations managing different routes, schedules, and equipment types.

The company also said recognition programs can help reinforce safer driving habits, cleaner HOS records, and stronger fuel efficiency performance over time.

As more fleets rely on telematics and operational data platforms, performance-based driver recognition programs may continue expanding across the industry.

Fleets interested in participating can review contest details, prize information, eligibility requirements, and additional Driver Cup information directly through Samsara’s Driver Cup page. The company also encouraged fleets to distribute Driver Cup flyers to participating drivers before the competition began.

Samsara additionally hosted a live Office Hours session tied to the competition rollout to answer questions from participating fleets and drivers. Questions regarding the Driver Cup can also be submitted directly to drivercup@samsara.com.

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: May 19, 2026

Source: Truckers News

The post Samsara Launches Driver Cup to Reward Safe, Compliant, And Fuel-Efficient Drivers appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

Some answers were serious. Some were humorous. But together, the responses painted a realistic picture of what experienced drivers believe matters most once the wheels start turning.

Patience And Defensive Driving Came Up Constantly

One of the most common themes involved patience. Many experienced drivers warned new truckers not to rush, force situations, or drive beyond their comfort zone just to satisfy appointments or traffic pressure.

“Don’t be in a hurry,” said Bruce Early.

“If you’re late, you’re late. You will never drive fast enough to beat an appointment. So drive safe always,” added Clifton G Force Jones.

Several drivers also stressed the importance of slowing down in mountains, traffic, parking lots, and backing situations.

“Mountains 1 time fast/ lifetime slow,” wrote Betty Thomas.

“When reversing slower is faster,” said James McSorley.

Other drivers focused heavily on defensive driving and constantly watched the surrounding traffic.

“Always expect the unexpected,” said Frank Wilson.

“Watch the brake lights of the 15 cars ahead,” advised Tommy Moulton.

“Always look 15-20 seconds ahead of you, the best you can. We can’t stop on a dime,” wrote Stephen Sanchez.

“Always drive defensively, assume nothing,” added Greg Ambrose.

Several responses also reminded new drivers to stay out of the left lane unnecessarily and avoid tailgating.

“Stay out of the left lane!!!!” wrote Mike Laughlin.

“Slow down and don’t tailgate!” added Albert M. Lutton.

Backing, Parking, And Trailer Awareness Still Matter

Another major topic involved backing and trailer control. Experienced drivers repeatedly emphasized taking extra time while parking and never being afraid to stop and check their surroundings.

“GOAL: Get out and look!” wrote Terri Curry Story.

“When in doubt..G.O.A.L,” added Mike Parnell.

“Just get out and look,” wrote Andrew Claytor.

Drivers also reminded rookies that trailers require constant attention during turns, lane changes, and parking maneuvers.

“If you ain’t watching your trailer, you ain’t driving your truck,” said Curtis Newborn.

“You’re not driving a truck, you are steering a Trailer,” added Doug Pillow Jr.

“The trailer follows the tractor at the shortest distance…ALWAYS,” wrote Bradly Pennington Vaughan.

Several drivers also stressed checking equipment carefully before moving.

“Tug test every time!” said Marvin Roberts.

“Always check your fifth wheel,” added Matt Hillis.

“Always conduct a pretrip,” wrote Todd Liebman.

Experienced Drivers Also Warned Against Overconfidence

Many responses centered around mindset. Drivers warned rookies not to act invincibly, drive distracted, or assume experience comes quickly.

“Don’t be a super trucker,” wrote Jeff Trecy.

“It’s not a video game,” added Billie Terry.

“Overconfidence gets you in trouble,” wrote Terry Kostiuk.

Several drivers specifically mentioned staying off the phone while driving.

“Phone down, pay attention!” said John Shafer.

“Never use or answer your phone while driving,” added Darius Hill.

Others reminded new drivers to keep learning and ask questions instead of pretending to know everything immediately.

“Listen to us, older truckers. Ask questions. We have a wealth of knowledge that can’t be taught in a classroom,” wrote Chuck Riggs.

“Every day is a new lesson,” added Heather MacDonald.

Some responses were lighter but still reflected real-life experience behind the wheel.

“Don’t eat gas station burritos,” joked Alex Pérez.

“Buy tools and a flashlight,” advised James Phillips.

“Learn to read a map!” added Danette Manning.

While every driver develops their own habits over time, many of the responses shared by the TDUSA community pointed back to the same idea: patience, awareness, preparation, and consistency matter far more than trying to prove something on the road.

For many experienced truckers, staying safe and building a long career usually comes down to avoiding unnecessary risks, paying attention, and never getting too comfortable behind the wheel.

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: May 15, 2026

The post Experienced Truck Drivers Share Their Best Advice for New Drivers on the Road appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

The funding is part of a broader mix of local and national grants, with a large share focused on Middle Tennessee, where Bridgestone is headquartered.

How the $1.13M in Grants Is Being Distributed

More than $575,000 of the total funding is directed toward nonprofit organizations serving Middle Tennessee communities. These local grants reflect ongoing investment in areas tied to safety, infrastructure, and basic services.

That includes $100,000 supporting road safety initiatives through the Civic Design Center and another $100,000 toward the capital-building campaign of Second Harvest Food Bank.

At the national level, the Trust Fund continued multi-year partnerships, including the $130,000 grant to Truckers Against Trafficking and $150,000 to TechForce Foundation. These national partnerships represent a commitment to human dignity, raising awareness and providing resources that help victims of human trafficking while also supporting pathways into the automotive workforce through scholarships and training programs.

Why the TAT Grant Matters on the Road

Truckers Against Trafficking works with drivers, carriers, and industry partners to identify and report signs of human trafficking. Training programs focus on what drivers may encounter at truck stops, rest areas, and along common freight routes.

Funding supports those training efforts, along with outreach and materials that expand awareness across the industry. For drivers, that translates into more consistent access to information on what to look for and how to report it safely.

Bridgestone’s Long-Running Community Investment Strategy

“Community investment is not separate from our business — it’s part of how we operate as one of the world’s largest tire manufacturers,” said Wade Munday, director of corporate philanthropy and social impact at Bridgestone. “Through these grants, we’re helping support organizations that understand their communities deeply and are delivering real, measurable impact. That’s true whether the work is happening in our hometown of Nashville or in communities across the country where our teammates move, live, work, and play.”

Established in 1952, the Bridgestone Americas Trust Fund reflects more than seven decades of charitable giving. The program has continued to evolve alongside the company’s operations while remaining focused on community support tied to safety, workforce access, and essential services.

Earlier this year, Bridgestone Corporation was recognized as the highest-ranked tire manufacturer on the Forbes 2026 Best Brands for Social Impact list, placing No. 20 among the top 300 brands in the country.

Where This Fits in the Trucking Industry

Programs like Truckers Against Trafficking depend on industry participation to expand awareness and reporting. Continued funding supports the reach of those programs across trucking, particularly through driver training and partnerships with carriers and industry groups.

To learn more about the grant program and supported organizations, visit Bridgestone Americas, Trust Fund.

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 May 6, 2026

Image Source: Bridgestone

The post Bridgestone Grant Sends $130K to Truckers Against Trafficking as Part of $1.13M Funding Round. appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

Safety Meeting Targets Issues Drivers See on the Road

The Safety and Security Meeting is built around risk areas that affect daily trucking, including freight theft, inspections, compliance reviews, and accident response.

“The TCA Safety+Security Meeting is built on a 360-degree safety model that looks at every angle of risk, from technology and compliance to the human element,” said Lucas Mowry.

The agenda includes a regulatory update on trucking activity in Washington, a session on protecting freight in a new era of crime, trial strategy and jury insight, and workshops on preparing for DOT and Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration compliance reviews.

Jeff Skiles Keynote Brings Emergency Decision Making Into Focus

Jeff Skiles will serve as the keynote speaker. Skiles was the copilot on U.S. Airways Flight 1549, known as the Miracle on the Hudson, when the crew safely landed an Airbus A320 on the Hudson River after losing both engines.

His session gives the event a direct safety hook: how trained professionals communicate, assess risk, and make decisions when conditions change without warning.

Workshops Cover Enforcement, Driver Behavior, and Risk

Workshop topics include roadside enforcement insights, audit readiness, OSHA preparation, safety culture, first-line management, and how research and technology are shaping trucking safety.

The schedule also includes Safety in the Rounds discussion groups, exhibit hall receptions, networking breakfasts, the Fleet Safety Awards presentation, and the Safety Professional of the Year Award presentation.

NATMI Meeting Continues With Safety Leadership

The NATMI meeting begins June 9 and runs through noon June 10. Sessions include Lead the Future of Safety, Not Your Dad’s Compliance Program, Modern Risk Reduction, Leading People Safely, and a panel discussion on building the next generation of safety leaders.

The NATMI schedule also includes business meetings, committee reports, breakfast, lunch, and a networking and awards reception.

How to Register

The Safety and Security Meeting runs June 7 through June 9, followed immediately by the NATMI meeting June 9 through June 10 in Oklahoma City.

To register or view the full agenda, visit tcasafetymeeting.com.

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: May 1, 2026

Source: The Trucker

Image Source: TCA

The post TCA Safety and NATMI Meetings Set for June in Oklahoma City 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

The post Truck Driver Named Highway Angel After Helping Dozens Injured in Wisconsin Bus Crash appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

The award follows his selection as Driver of the Month in March 2025.

Driving record and recognition

Segebart’s career includes 4.5 million safe miles over 45 years. The Kansas Motor Carriers Association highlighted that record in its announcement, noting “Not one shortcut.”

That phrasing reflects how the association described his approach to driving.

Role as a trainer and mentor

In addition to his time on the road, Segebart serves as a mentor and a certified trainer. These roles place him in direct contact with other drivers as part of training and development.

Next step at the national level

The recognition also positions Segebart as Kansas’s entry for the national Driver of the Year award through the American Trucking Associations.

“Nearly five decades behind the wheel, a driver mentor, a certified trainer, and now Kansas’s entry for the ATA National Driver of the Year,” said the association. “Tom, the entire Kansas trucking industry is proud of you. This one’s well-earned.”

What this recognition reflects

The award recognizes long-term performance, safety, and involvement in training within the industry.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who named the 2025 Kansas Driver of the Year?
The Kansas Motor Carriers Association.

What company does Tom Segebart drive for?
Walmart Transportation.

What milestone is highlighted in his career?
4.5 million safe miles over 45 years.

What roles does he hold beyond driving?
He is a mentor and a certified trainer.

Is he eligible for a national award?
Yes. He is Kansas’s entry for the ATA National Driver of the Year.

Recognition at the state level reflects a driving record built over time and acknowledged by industry organizations.

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 28, 2026

Source: The Trucker

The post Kansas Driver Logs 4.5 Million Safe Miles and Earns Statewide Recognition appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

The recognition highlights drivers who consistently combine safe operation with mentorship, industry involvement, and long-term performance.

What is the TA Citizen Driver award?

The TA Citizen Driver award is an annual recognition program created by TravelCenters of America to honor professional drivers who demonstrate excellence in safety, leadership, and community involvement.

The award focuses on more than miles driven. It highlights drivers who influence others through mentorship, safety advocacy, and participation in industry programs.

This program is designed to recognize both performance behind the wheel and contribution to the broader trucking community.

Who were the 2026 TA Citizen Driver award winners?

The 2026 recipients are Steven Brand and Bruce Jones. Both drivers were recognized for long-term safety records, leadership roles, and contributions to driver development and industry programs.

Their selection was announced during the Mid-America Trucking Show.

Both honorees represent a combination of consistent safety performance and strong industry engagement.

Steven Brand: long-term safety and mentorship in trucking

Steven Brand has 36 years of experience and nearly 5 million crash-free miles. He has spent close to 30 years with FedEx Freight, where he is known as a mentor and resource for other drivers.

Beyond his driving career, Brand has coached participants in the Ohio Truck Driving Championships and supported youth and safety-focused programs across the industry.

His recognition reflects both sustained safe driving and a strong commitment to mentoring other drivers.

Bruce Jones: military background, safety record, and leadership role

Bruce Jones has accumulated more than 4 million crash- and ticket-free miles over 28 years of driving. He is a third-generation driver and Marine Corps veteran with more than 1 million safe miles in tanker operations.

He currently drives for Hoffman Transportation and has received multiple industry recognitions, including Illinois Driver of the Year in 2024 and a Grand Champion Elite Eight Finalist placement the same year.

Jones also serves on his company’s driver advisory board, contributing directly to safety initiatives and operational improvements.

His career reflects a blend of high-level safety performance and active involvement in improving driver programs.

How are Citizen Driver winners recognized?

TA will hold dedication ceremonies later in the year to honor the 2026 winners. Steven Brand will be recognized in London, while Bruce Jones will be recognized in Wilmington.

In addition to public recognition, TA is donating $5,000 to Truckers Against Trafficking on behalf of the award recipients.

Recognition for winners includes both ceremonial events and charitable contributions tied to industry causes.

What is the purpose of the Citizen Driver program?

The Citizen Driver program launched in 2013 to recognize professional drivers who demonstrate excellence in safety, leadership, and community involvement.

Since its launch, the program has honored 40 drivers. Candidates are evaluated by an independent panel that considers both career achievements and contributions outside the cab.

The program exists to highlight drivers whose influence extends beyond mileage and daily routes.

Why does driver recognition matter in trucking?

Driver recognition programs like Citizen Driver reinforce the importance of safety, mentorship, and leadership across the industry.

They emphasize that success is measured not only in miles driven but also in the impact drivers have on peers, training, and safety culture.

Programs like this help highlight the human side of trucking and the leadership role experienced drivers play.

Frequently asked questions

What is the TA Citizen Driver award?
The TA Citizen Driver award is an annual recognition from TravelCenters of America honoring drivers for safety, leadership, and community involvement. It highlights both professional performance and contributions beyond driving.

Who won the 2026 Citizen Driver awards?
The 2026 winners are Steven Brand and Bruce Jones, recognized during the Mid-America Trucking Show.

How many miles have the winners driven?
Steven Brand has nearly 5 million crash-free miles, while Bruce Jones has more than 4 million crash- and ticket-free miles.

What makes a driver eligible for Citizen Driver recognition?
Drivers are selected based on safety records, leadership, mentorship, and contributions to the trucking community.

What does TravelCenters of America do for the winners?
TA holds recognition ceremonies and also donates to Truckers Against Trafficking in honor of the winners.

How long has the Citizen Driver program existed?
The program began in 2013 and has recognized 40 drivers to date.

The TA Citizen Driver award highlights professional drivers who combine strong safety records with leadership and mentorship across the trucking industry. The 2026 winners, Steven Brand and Bruce Jones, reflect the program’s focus on long-term performance and meaningful contribution beyond the road, reinforcing that success in trucking extends far beyond miles driven.

Truck Drivers USA Editorial Team

The Truck Drivers USA editorial team creates practical, driver-focused content on CDL requirements, safety regulations, pay trends, and daily operations. Each piece is written to provide clear, accurate information drivers can use on the road and in their careers.

Last updated: April 13, 2026

The post TA Honors Two Drivers for Safety, Mentorship, and Long Haul Leadership appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

For more than a decade, parking has remained one of the most persistent problems tied to freight movement. Lost time searching for a safe place to stop cuts into productivity and adds pressure to already tight schedules. The issue has also been linked to serious safety concerns when drivers are left with no option but to park in unsafe or unauthorized locations.

Longstanding Problem With No Quick Fix

The scale of the problem has drawn attention at the highest levels. The National Transportation Safety Board took the unusual step of backing legislative action after investigating a fatal crash involving a truck parked along a highway shoulder.

“It appears that essentially the same obstacles we were facing two decades ago are the same obstacles we’re facing today,” NTSB member Thomas Chapman said. “It’s a funding issue. I’m guessing in some respects, it might be more than funding. It could be available space, but this is a problem that has been around for a long time, and it’s only getting worse.”

Funding Moves Forward but Gaps Remain

A federal spending package signed in February included $200 million dedicated to expanding truck parking. While that investment marks progress, it does not come close to solving the shortage on its own.

Beyond funding, another challenge continues to slow expansion efforts. Many communities and local decision makers still do not fully understand how truck parking impacts safety, freight efficiency, and local economies. Even when awareness exists, projects can face resistance at the local level.

New Study Aims to Quantify the Impact

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is now preparing a study designed to put hard data behind what drivers already experience on the road.

On April 6, the agency published a notice in the Federal Register requesting input for a study focused on measuring the real world benefits of adding truck parking capacity.

According to FMCSA, “there is a lack of research on the actual precise monetary benefits of new truck parking spaces.” The goal is to build a clearer picture that can support future decisions and funding efforts.

What Drivers Will Be Asked

The study will gather detailed input on how parking shortages affect daily operations. Drivers will be asked about how often and how long they:

• Park in unauthorized locations
• Shut down early to secure a spot
• Leave planned routes to find parking
• Push hours of service limits while searching for space

This level of detail is intended to capture the real cost of the issue, from lost time to safety risks. The results will be combined with other research to help guide where new parking should be built and how those projects are presented to local communities.

Why Participation Matters

The effectiveness of the study depends on how much real world input it receives. Data collected from drivers will shape how the issue is understood by policymakers, planners, and private investors.

Public comments on how the study will be conducted are due May 6. To submit a comment, click here or go to Regulations.gov and enter Docket No. FMCSA-2025-0787.

A Chance to Influence What Comes Next

Parking shortages are not new, and neither are the challenges tied to solving them. What may change is how the issue is documented and presented moving forward.

By contributing feedback, drivers have an opportunity to put real experiences into the data being used to guide future decisions.

The post Federal Push to Address Truck Parking Shortage Turns to Driver Input appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

The Highway Angel program, launched in 1997, highlights professional drivers who step in during critical moments. Presented by TCA in partnership with EpicVue, the program has recognized nearly 1,500 drivers across North America.

Michael Alpine Responds to Early Morning Rollover

Michael Alpine of ABF Freight was driving near Gustine around 4 a.m. when he saw a truck lose control.

“I saw the brake lights of the truck come on and then immediately swerve… and then it started rolling over,” Alpine said.

He contacted emergency services and worked to secure the area before assisting those involved. The driver remained conscious but reported neck and back pain, while two passengers had visible injuries, including head trauma. Alpine stayed at the scene until help arrived.

“It’s always a good day when people can walk away from a crash,” Alpine said. “You can replace material things — you can’t replace people. I encourage everybody to get first aid and CPR training,” he added. “Sometimes we are the first responders out there.”

Anthony Dunne Stops After Spotting Crash in Louisiana

Anthony Dunne of Maverick Transportation was traveling along Highway 65 near Transylvania at about 2 a.m. when he encountered debris in the road.

After maneuvering around a large branch, he noticed a heavily damaged truck off the roadway nearby.

“Honestly I didn’t think that anybody was going to be okay from that one,” said Dunne. “I really thought that was going to be a DOA scene.”

He found the driver trapped but conscious. With the location being remote, it took roughly 45 minutes for emergency crews to arrive. The driver was eventually removed with minor injuries.

“I couldn’t just drive by if there was something I could do,” Dunne said.

Scott Derrick Acts Quickly at Vehicle Fire in California

Scott Derrick, also with ABF Freight, came across a vehicle fire around 2:30 a.m. on Interstate 15 near Oak Hills.

“I feel like God told me ‘It’s time for you to go to work’,” Derrick said.

He stopped and grabbed a fire extinguisher from his truck. A UPS driver involved in the incident was already helping people out of a burning vehicle, but one person remained trapped.

“I got out with the fire extinguisher and thought, ‘I’m old, I’ve lived my life’.”

Derrick was able to reach the vehicle and pull the injured individual to safety.

“I just thought, he’s not going to die while I’m here tonight,” Derrick said.

Recognition Built on Real Moments

Each of these situations unfolded in low visibility conditions during overnight hours, when traffic is lighter but response times can be longer. In those moments, the actions taken by drivers on scene often make the difference before emergency crews arrive.

The Highway Angel program continues to spotlight those decisions and the role professional drivers play beyond moving freight.

The post Three Truck Drivers Recognized for Highway Angel Honors in March 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.