ABF FREIGHT SYSTEM, INC. DRIVER HELPS ACCIDENT VICTIM, EARNS HIGHWAY ANGEL WINGS

05/16/2014
Alexandria, Virginia

The Truckload Carriers Association (TCA) has named Arvil “JR” Finch of Lemitar, New Mexico, as a Highway Angel. Finch drives for ABF Freight System, Inc., of Fort Smith, Arkansas, and is being recognized for helping an accident victim.

On August 4, 2013, in the early morning, Finch was driving on Highway 54, about 10 miles northeast of Dalhart, Texas. It was still dark when two tractor trailers collided ahead of him. One of the cabs separated from its trailer, which caught on fire. The cab rolled over and skidded to a stop with its dazed and bleeding driver still inside.

Finch called 911 and then helped the man out of the wreck. He assessed the type of load the driver was hauling and determined that it did not consist of hazardous materials (if it had, everyone would have had to move far away from the burning trailer). Finch kept the driver calm and quiet because he could see he was in shock. Finch gathered some of the man’s personal items from his cab so he would be ready to go to the hospital when the paramedics arrived. Later, the man’s company phoned ABF to say what had happened and thank Finch for his help.

When asked about the incident, Finch responded modestly, “I believe it is your duty to stop and help people. You have to stop and help when you can.”

For helping at the accident scene that morning, TCA has presented Finch with a certificate, patch, and lapel pin. ABF Freight System, Inc., also received a certificate acknowledging that one of its drivers is a Highway Angel.