Christin Ernst was in a fix. An errant screwdriver punctured her tire on a San Diego freeway, leaving her stranded.
That's when Thomas Weller -- a.k.a. the San Diego Highwayman -- arrived in his monstrous white search-and-rescue vehicle, complete with emergency lights flashing. A surprised Ernst watched as Weller slapped on her spare, inflated it and handed her a card.
It reads: "Assisting you has been my pleasure. I ask for no payment other than for you to pass on the favor by helping someone in distress that you may encounter."
Ernst assured Weller, "I will pass it on."
She was lucky. Because of wallet-busting fuel prices, Weller has cut back his good Samaritan runs to once every three days. Weighing more than 5,600 pounds, Weller's aging rescue rig is a world-class gas-guzzler.
"I sit home on the front porch a lot," he said. "It's killing me."
Weller isn't alone. High gas prices are forcing potential do-gooders of all kinds to stay home.
Meals on Wheels and other services that depend on volunteer drivers have had to scale back. In a June survey of U.S. groups that serve the elderly, more than 70% said fuel costs had made it harder to recruit and retain volunteers.
For a while, Weller had a benefactor. An Auto Trader executive saw a television report about his good deeds and arranged to pay his fuel bills from April 2002 until budget cutbacks ended the deal.
"The best time of my career of doing this was the 17 months that I didn't have to worry about the expense," Weller said.
He started his volunteer highway rounds in 1966. Now 60, Weller figures he's helped more than 6,000 motorists. He's been interviewed plenty, including by CBS newsman Charles Kuralt, who dubbed him the "Highwayman."
But Weller isn't out for glory.
"It's what I do for excitement," said Weller, who was vague about what his avocation costs.
Weller's usual companion is Shela, a black-and-white mix of Labrador retriever and smooth collie. Weller describes her as "a person in a fur suit" who once charmed her way into a party at the Viper Room, the Hollywood nightspot that usually attracts wolves rather than family pets.
Riding in the back of Weller's vehicle is a no-go. Instead of seats, there's a carefully organized assortment of things one might need to help a motorist in a jam.
