Trucker Named TCA Highway Angel for

Heroic Actions During Vehicle Crash

August 27th, 2025

The Truckload Carriers Association (TCA) has named professional truck driver Travis Braun, of Bates City, Missouri, a TCA Highway Angel for his quick thinking and selfless actions during a roadside emergency in Kansas. Braun drives for ABF Freight out of Fort Smith, Arkansas.

On the morning of August 15, 2025, at approximately 7:20 a.m., Braun was traveling on the turnpike through Lawrence, Kansas, when he witnessed a violent crash on the highway.

“What I saw was the car going straight to the median, hitting the median, and then just instantly going backwards all the way across the interstate and then down an embankment,” said Braun.

Without hesitation, Braun safely pulled over his truck and ran toward the smoking vehicle.

Another motorist stopped as well, and together they were able to free an unconscious woman trapped inside and move her to safety.

“I had to force the door open,” said Braun. “We physically carried her out of the car and laid her on the hill. She was all bloody and I think she had a broken leg.”

Moments later, a highway repair crew arrived and assured Braun that emergency personnel were on their way. Since the woman was now safely out of danger, he departed. Thanks to Braun’s courage and quick action, a life was saved that day.

“I was there — I felt like I needed to do it,” said Braun.

Since the TCA Highway Angel program’s inception in August 1997, nearly 1,500 professional truck drivers have been recognized as TCA 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 Braun.

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