Gustine, California — The Truckload Carriers Association (TCA) announced that three professional drivers earned the Highway Angel award for heroic actions during real‑time emergencies on March 2026. ABF Freight’s Michael Alpine, Maverick Transportation’s Anthony Dunne and a third driver recognized by the program were cited for life‑saving interventions that prevented fatalities on interstate routes.

The Highway Angel program, founded in 1997 and run in partnership with safety‑technology firm EpicVue, spotlights drivers who act as de‑facto first responders when accidents strike. With nearly 1,500 honorees across North America, the initiative underscores the critical role truckers play in roadside rescue, especially as FMCSA regulations push for higher safety standards and more comprehensive driver training.

Alpine’s encounter occurred just before dawn near Gustine, where a tractor‑trailer lost control, flipped, and began rolling at 4 a.m. Alpine called emergency services, secured the crash zone, and tended to the conscious driver who suffered neck and back pain, as well as two passengers with visible head injuries. He remained on scene until responders arrived, emphasizing that “you can replace material things — you can’t replace people.” In Louisiana, Dunne was cruising Highway 65 near Transylvania at 2 a.m. when a large branch forced him to swerve, revealing a mangled truck off the road. He found the driver trapped but alive, waited roughly 45 minutes for help, and helped keep the victim stable until crews extricated him with only minor injuries. The third honoree, whose identity TCA kept confidential, also performed a critical rescue earlier that month, further illustrating the everyday bravery of CDL‑A drivers.

What This Means for Drivers

Highway Angel recognition reinforces the expectation that CDL‑A holders and owner‑operators be prepared to administer first aid and CPR, skills increasingly demanded by carriers seeking to lower incident costs. Fleet managers are likely to incorporate emergency‑response drills into regular safety meetings, ensuring that OTR truck driver crews can act swiftly when accidents happen far from medical facilities. The awards also provide a tangible incentive for drivers to pursue additional certifications, which can translate into higher pay tiers and preferential dispatch assignments from trucking companies hiring now.

Industry Reaction

Carrier groups applauded TCA’s spotlight on driver heroism, noting that such stories counter the negative stereotypes that sometimes plague the trucking profession. Industry advocates argue that recognizing on‑the‑spot rescues helps attract new talent to truck driver jobs, especially as the driver shortage tightens and owner‑operators seek employers that value safety culture. The broader community sees the Highway Angel program as a model for integrating driver‑led emergency response into the national transportation safety framework.

Key Points

• Highway Angel program, launched in 1997, has honored nearly 1,500 drivers across North America.
• Michael Alpine of ABF Freight responded to a 4 a.m. rollover near Gustine, CA, assisting a conscious driver and two injured passengers.
• Anthony Dunne of Maverick Transportation rescued a trapped driver on Highway 65 near Transylvania, LA, after a remote crash.
• The third honoree’s unnamed rescue adds to a total of three March recognitions, highlighting the everyday bravery of CDL‑A drivers.

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