Alma, GA — Menke Trucking driver Don Cronic recently earned the Highway Angel designation from the Truckload Carriers Association after stopping to rescue an elderly woman stranded on the side of the road. On the evening of March 1, 2023, Cronic was operating his rig along Highway 1 when he spotted a vehicle pulled over with an individual lying on the ground. Despite his initial uncertainty, Cronic’s instincts prompted him to turn his truck around to investigate the scene.
The motorist, an 82-year-old woman, had attempted to change a flat tire in the rain before slipping and falling. She remained on the pavement for over 30 minutes, calling for help in the dark until Cronic arrived. The driver immediately moved the woman into the warmth of his cab and provided his phone so she could contact her son. Cronic then completed the tire repair himself and followed the motorist to her home to ensure she reached her destination safely.
JT Walker, the son of the stranded woman, later reached out to Menke Trucking to express his gratitude for Cronic’s intervention. Walker noted that his mother attempted to compensate the driver for his labor, but Cronic refused all payment. By the time Walker arrived at the scene, the situation was stabilized, and Cronic had already departed, leaving the woman in good spirits and unharmed.
What This Means for Drivers
Professional drivers are often the first responders on rural highways where cellular service may be spotty and emergency response times are delayed. This incident serves as a reminder that situational awareness is a core competency for any CDL-A driver operating on secondary roads. While safety is the priority, helping a stranded motorist requires balancing personal security with the professional obligation to assist those in distress. Drivers looking for trucking companies hiring that prioritize safety culture should research carriers with active recognition programs for their staff.
Industry Reaction
The Highway Angel program remains a primary industry mechanism for highlighting the positive impacts professional drivers have on public safety. By formalizing these acts of service, organizations like the Truckload Carriers Association ensure that the public perception of the trucking industry remains grounded in the reality of driver altruism. For an OTR truck driver, these moments represent the unofficial, yet critical, community service aspect of the job that often goes unnoticed by the general public.
Key Points
- Don Cronic of Menke Trucking was officially recognized as a Highway Angel for his roadside assistance.
- The incident occurred on March 1, 2023, on Georgia’s Highway 1 near Alma.
- Cronic provided warmth and communication to an elderly woman who had been stranded for over 30 minutes in the rain.
- The driver refused financial compensation for changing the woman's flat tire and escorted her home for safety.
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