Yesterday, the TCA announced that Albert Wallace of Hartsville, North Carolina, is the agency’s newest Highway Angel. Wallace drives for Epes Transport System, Inc., of Greensboro, North Carolina.
On May 10, 2013, at about 4:30 p.m., Wallace was driving on I-26 near Columbia, South Carolina, on his way home from making a delivery. He saw a car on the side of the road with its flashers on and a flat tire. He stopped to help the young female driver and discovered that her spare tire was also flat. Since he had an air pump on the truck, Wallace inflated the spare and changed her tire. He cautioned her not to drive over 55 mph and to get another tire as soon as possible. Then he sent her on her way.
She later wrote to Epes Transport System, praising Wallace for his help. “I am incredibly grateful for [Wallace’s] kindness and generosity,” she wrote. “I am so thankful that God put [him] there, and that [he is] so selfless and helpful. There are not enough words for me to describe how much I appreciate [his] assistance.”
Wallace, who has been driving professionally since 1995, says he has stopped many times over the years to help stranded motorists. “I recommend checking the tire pressure on your spare at least twice a year. Otherwise, your spare will be of no use to you when you need it,” he says.
For stopping to help the woman, Wallace has received a Highway Angel lapel pin, certificate, and patch. Epes Transport System, Inc., also received a certificate acknowledging that one of its drivers is a Highway Angel.
TCA’s Highway Angel program is sponsored by Internet Truckstop. Since the program’s inception in August 1997, hundreds of drivers have been recognized as Highway Angels for the unusual kindness, courtesy, and courage they have shown others while on the job.