The Truckload Carriers Association has recognized Mail Contractors of America 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 Oct. 12, 2008, at about 2:20 a.m. when Hunt came across a two-car collision that had just occurred on State Route 24 near Spring Lake, N.C. 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.”
Hunt received a Highway Angel lapel pin, certificate and patch for his efforts. Mail Contractors of America, based in Little Rock, Ark., 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.
