Acts that happen in a matter of seconds on the road often leave a lasting impact. In March, the Truckload Carriers Association named three drivers as Highway Angel recipients, recognizing their actions during real emergencies on the highway.
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.
