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
