Trucker Named TCA Highway Angel for Rescuing Two Truckers after Semis Crashed in Texas Storm

August 26th, 2024

ALEXANDRIA, VA—The Truckload Carriers Association (TCA) has named truck driver Rashon Smith from Olympia, Washington, a TCA Highway Angel for rescuing two truckers whose semis crashed on I-10 during a storm. Smith drives for Melton Truck Lines out of Tulsa, Oklahoma.

It’s an incredible story: On July 31, 2024, Smith and his wife were driving on I-10 westbound near Ft. Stockton, Texas, and became caught in a severe storm. As they cautiously drove through the intense storm, Rashon noticed two semis had crashed and overturned up ahead on the opposite side of the road.

“A really bad storm had hit—two semis on the other side of the road overturned into the median, partially blocking the eastbound road,” Smith said. “I just started laying on my air horn, so everyone on the other side of the road kinda knew to slow down.”

He pulled over, and while his wife called 911, Smith rushed to the scene to assist the drivers. He said the two overturned trucks, which did not hit each other but both happened to overturn, probably due to speed and weather, were about 100 meters apart.

“Me and another trucker, we helped pull the first guy from his truck,” he said. “We climbed on top and opened his door and were able to carry him out.” The other driver had a broken windshield, so Rashon was able to help him through the window.

“His truck was a little shattered,” Smith said. “We were able to pull him from the windshield.” The drivers had cuts and scrapes. Smith mentioned that coincidentally, a group of military medics was traveling on the highway and stopped to help, which aided the victims. He said his former Navy training programmed him to always look for ways to help people.

“I’m a veteran; the old Navy in me kicked in—if you see someone hurt, you help,” he said.

Since the TCA Highway Angels program’s inception in August 1997, nearly 1,400 professional truck drivers have been recognized as Highway Angels for exemplary kindness, courtesy, and courage displayed while on the job. Thanks to the program’s presenting sponsor, EpicVue, and supporting sponsors, DriverFacts and Northland Insurance, TCA is able to showcase outstanding drivers like Mr. Smith.

The TCA Highway Angels website can be accessed at https://www.truckload.org/highway-angel/.