RECENTLY-RECOGNIZED 2020 HIGHWAY ANGEL OF THE YEAR EARNS SECOND SET OF WINGS FOR RESCUING SEVERAL VICTIMS DURING EARLY-MORNING CRASH

6/17/2022
Alexandria, Virginia          

The Truckload Carriers Association (TCA) has named truck driver Royford Burris, from Lauderhill, Florida, a Highway Angel for rescuing several victims during an early-morning crash involving an alleged drunk driver.

Burris is no stranger to the Highway Angel program as he was named TCA’s 2020 Highway Angel of the Year in September 2021 in Las Vegas. Burris was chosen from nearly 75 recipients for his heroic deed.

Burris drives for Stevens Transport based in Dallas, Texas.  

On Saturday, April 16, 2022 around 3 a.m., he was driving through Cockeysville, Maryland on Interstate 83. Burris shared with TCA that he noticed a white Acura RLX quickly approaching behind him. Just moments later, to his surprise, the vehicle almost sideswiped the left side of his truck, then sped past.

About two miles down the road, Burris watched as that same Acura, still driving erratically, suddenly rear-ended a Kia Sportage.

“I saw it right in front of me, less than a quarter mile away,” recalled Burris. “I was like, ‘oh my god.’”

News reports said investigators claimed the initial crash led to multiple secondary crashes. A GMC Envoy crashed into the Kia and a Nissan Altima. The driver of the Kia was standing near the passenger-side door when the vehicle was struck by a Ford Mustang. The driver of a Chrysler Voyager was trying to avoid the crash and struck a guardrail as well as the Kia, police said.

After watching the pileup of vehicles unfold before his eyes, Burris knew he had to stop and assist. He slowly maneuvered his truck and trailer past the accident scene a safe distance away to the shoulder. Once safely stopped, he courageously helped victims out of their crashed vehicles, for fear that a fire may erupt at any moment.

Burris stayed on the scene until emergency services arrived and provided information to police regarding the driver who was allegedly under the influence. 

TCA has presented him with a certificate, patches, lapel pin, and truck decals. The company has also received a letter acknowledging him as a Highway Angel.

Since the program’s inception in August 1997, nearly 1,300 professional truck drivers have been recognized as Highway Angels for the exemplary kindness, courtesy, and courage they have displayed while on the job.

Special thanks to the program’s Presenting Sponsor, EpicVue, and Supporting Sponsor, DriverFacts