[11-29-2024] – TCA honors ABF Freight truck driver who aided two hit and run victims

A California truck driver was recently recognized for his brave actions in aiding the victims of a hit and run incident. The Truckload Carriers Association (TCA) has honored truck driver Brian Manzo, hailing from Anaheim, California, as a TCA Highway Angel for his assistance to an injured man and woman following the accident. Manzo is an employee of ABF Freight based in Ft. Smith, Arkansas.

The TCA reports that on November 12, at approximately 6 p.m., in Santa Ana, California, Manzo was heading north on Grand Avenue when he noticed two pedestrians—a male and female—lying within the southbound lanes of the six-lane road. These individuals had been struck by a dark sedan, which Manzo observed speeding southward with a broken driver’s side headlight and emitting smoke. Upon seeing the injured man on the ground, he recounted, “The guy was lying in the middle of the road; he’s not responsive. I’m looking at this guy, and I watch two cars hit him.”

According to Manzo, the accident victims appeared to be transients, and he suspected they were together during the incident. Alarmingly, no other motorists stopped to help. Manzo positioned himself in the middle lane, activated his hazard lights, and began honking his horn in an effort to draw attention to the critical situation. “Two cars hit this guy so I immediately get on my horn and immediately cars start stopping,” he explained. He then noticed a woman also lying on the ground a short distance away.

Related to the victim? Get legal help regarding hit and run car accident. 

Manzo quickly dialed 911 and approached the conscious female victim, advising her to remain still due to her injuries. “She had blood all over her face and she was disoriented,” he recalled. As she attempted to stand and escape traffic, Manzo continued to communicate with 911 until he could hear the approaching police sirens before departing the scene.

In a follow-up a few days later, a police officer informed Manzo that the male pedestrian had succumbed to his injuries and that the driver responsible for striking both individuals had eventually stopped and reported to the authorities.

Since its launch in August 1997, the TCA Highway Angel program has recognized nearly 1,400 professional truck drivers for their extraordinary acts of kindness, courtesy, and bravery displayed on the job. Thanks to the program’s presenting sponsor, EpicVue, along with supporting sponsors, DriverFacts and Northland Insurance, TCA can continue to highlight the remarkable contributions of drivers like Manzo.