ALEXANDRIA, VA—The Truckload Carriers Association (TCA) has named truck driver Daniel Wells, from Saginaw, MI, a TCA Highway Angel for stopping to help an injured truck driver after a horrific crash on a Missouri highway. Wells drives for Melton Truck Lines out of Tulsa, OK.

It’s an incredible story: On October 11, 2023, around 10:30 a.m., Wells was driving east on I-44 near Springfield, Missouri. As he drove over a hill, he saw another semi truck crash and roll in front of him.

“I saw debris flying through the air,” Wells said. “I pulled my truck over to the shoulder of the road.”

Immediately Wells grabbed his fire extinguisher, gloves, and winch bar and ran to the accident to see how he could help. As he was running over, he called 911 and explained the situation. He had previous emergency response training which helped him jump into action.

“His truck was completely totaled,” Wells said. “The cab was ripped off the frame.”

The driver was still in the vehicle, but Wells didn’t want to move him in case it created more injuries. He instead kept the driver calm and made sure he wasn’t in shock. EMT soon arrived and he helped load the injured driver on a stretcher so they could render aid. Once the fire dept. arrived, he stepped aside and let the professionals take over.

“I’ve had training—I didn’t even think about it—my training just kicked in,” Wells said.

“Besides, if I were ever in that position, I would hope somebody would do that for me.”

Since the TCA Highway Angels program’s inception in August 1997, nearly 1,300

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 sponsor, DriverFacts, TCA is able to showcase outstanding drivers like Mr. Wells.