Brighten Your Day

Rick Thomas, a trucker from Akron working for ABF Freight, was recognized by the Truckload Carriers Association (TCA) as a "TCA Highway Angel" for assisting a driver who was stranded on the roadway.

After spotting the female motorist on the side of Seasons Road in Peninsula, Ohio, with a blown tire, he acted quickly to repair the SUV's flat tire.

“She was kind of almost halfway in the intersection,” Thomas said to Truckers News. “I hopped out and asked her if she had a spare tire. And she said yes. That’s what I did—I changed her tire,” all while Thomas made sure the driver was safe and off the road.

For his actions, Thomas was named a TCA Highway Angel, an honor that has been given since 1997 to truck drivers who show kindness and courage while working on the job.

“It’s just kindness, it’s just my nature,” Thomas said. “I try to be a gentleman. I’m a truck driver and that’s what we do.”