The Truckload Carriers Association recently recognized owner-operator Terrance Smith of Miramichi, New Brunswick, as a Highway Angel for his random act of kindness in helping an elderly woman find her way home.
Smith was parked in a Dysart’s truck stop late one night when he noticed an elderly woman trying to flag down traffic. He thought that the woman might get hit by a car, so he turned on his flashers and raced across the street to help her. The elderly woman told him: “My name is Joyce. I am lost and very scared. My husband told me that if I were ever in trouble, I should ask the driver of those big trucks for help.”
Joyce had been following behind her husband’s car when her windshield fogged up. She immediately pulled over to the side of the road, but her husband continued driving. Joyce did not know where she was and seemed afraid for her safety. Smith stayed with Joyce and kept her calm until her husband arrived.
Joyce stated: “Heaven knows what would have happened to me without Mr. Smith! I felt very comfortable with him.” In response, Smith said, “I had done my good deed for that day. It made me proud to have helped someone in distress who thought so highly of truckers.”
Smith, along with his wife, Roxanne, is active in multiple charities. He prides himself on giving his best every day, both to his community and to the trucking industry. He has been driving for more than 36 years and has accumulated more than 3.8 million accident-free miles.
Smith, an owner-operator leased to Highland Transport of Markham, Ontario, received a Highway Angel lapel pin, certificate and patch for his efforts. Highland Transport also received a certificate acknowledging that one of its contractors is a Highway Angel.
Since its inception in August 1997, the Highway Angels program has recognized hundreds of drivers for the unusual kindness, courtesy and courage they have shown others while on the job. TCA has received letters and e-mails from people across the country nominating truck drivers for the program.
To learn more about the program or nominate a driver, go to www.truckload.org/highwayangels. For additional questions, contact TCA at 703-838-1950 or [email protected].
