DES MOINES, Iowa — One day in August 2023 was life-changing for Vince Fazio, an independent truck owner, when he encountered an out-of-control drunk driver.
Fazio, who is based in Nevada, is an independent contractor for a carrier out of Florida. He was on one of his normal routes, traveling on Highway 93 near Wickenburg, Arizona, when the driver of a Ford F-150 truck slammed into Fazio’s truck at a speed of more than 50 mph. The driver, who was allegedly intoxicated, was the subject of an active police chase.
The F-150 struck near the front fender of Fazio’s truck, which was protected by an Ex-Guard.
“I honestly think I would have died if an Ex-Guard would not have been on my truck. My lower bumper was destroyed, but I lived. The guard took 95% of the impact and I have the chance to work another day,” Fazio said. “Ex-Guard prevented my truck from being totaled, saving me at least $60,000 in expenses.”
After the accident, Fazio needed some time to heal from the bumps and bruises while working through challenges with his insurance carrier. Because of these setbacks, he wasn’t able to get a new Ex-Guard put on his truck.
“When we saw Vince’s story and heard he wasn’t able to get a guard for his truck, we knew it was the right thing to help Vince and his family with a new Ex-Guard,” said Joel Wooten, who is head of sales for Ex-Guard.
Ex-Guard connected with Chris Fjeldsted, parts sales manager at Premier Truck Group of Salt Lake City, who had a guard in stock that would fit Fazio’s truck.
“We have hundreds of stories of customers that have been protected by Ex-Guard. We’re glad to be able to keep another one of our customers on the road and safe,” said Fjeldsted.
The drunk driver involved in this case recently pleaded guilty, helping close this chapter of Fazio’s life.
“Not only did the guard protect me, but it helped push away the F-150, keeping both vehicles from being more damaged,” Fazio said. “It does save lives!”
Bruce Guthrie is an award-winning journalist who has lived in three states including Arkansas, Missouri and Georgia. During his nearly 20-year career, Bruce has served as managing editor and sports editor for numerous publications. He and his wife, Dana, who is also a journalist, are based in Carrollton, Georgia.
