TCA Recognizes Truck Driver Michael Hunt as a Highway Angel

Alexandria, Virginia:

The Truckload Carriers Association (TCA) has recognized truck driver Michael Hunt as a Highway Angel for damaging his own vehicle to help out at the scene of a fatal accident.

The incident took place on October 12, 2008. At approximately 2:20 a.m., Hunt came across a two-car collision that had just occurred on NC 24 near Spring Lake, North Carolina. There were two vehicles involved in the crash, and both had come to rest within five feet of each other.

Initially, Hunt used his fire extinguisher to attempt to put out a fire on one of the vehicles. But the blaze was too strong, and that driver perished. Realizing that the other driver was still alive, Hunt used his own tractor-trailer to push the vehicle away from the fire. According to the report written by Trooper J.E. Stahl of the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, “When Mr. Hunt did this, it damaged his own vehicle. Mr. Hunt’s quick actions helped to save a life from serious injury or death from burns.”

A driver for Mail Contractors of America of Little Rock, Arkansas, Hunt received a Highway Angel lapel pin, certificate, and patch for his efforts. Mail Contractors of America also received a certificate acknowledging that one of its drivers is a Highway Angel.

Since its inception in August 1997, the Highway Angels program has recognized hundreds of drivers for the unusual kindness, courtesy, and courage they have shown others while on the job. TCA has received letters and e-mails from people across North America nominating truck drivers for the program.