Mohsen Baniyaghoub, a truck driver from Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, was honored for his selfless act of kindness when he helped a stranded motorist during a treacherous snowstorm.
The Truckload Carriers Association (TCA) awarded Baniyaghoub the title of TCA Highway Angel for stepping in to assist a woman whose car battery had failed during the blizzard. Baniyaghoub, who drives for Kriska Holdings Ltd. based in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada, didn’t hesitate to act when he noticed the motorist in trouble.
How It Happened
On Sunday, January 19, Baniyaghoub was navigating Interstate 81 just north of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, during near-blinding snowfall and bumper-to-bumper traffic. Spotting a vehicle stranded on the side of the road, he pulled over to lend a hand. Another trucker had also stopped to assist but encountered roadblocks in solving the issue.
“It was crazy snowing,” Baniyaghoub recalled. “There was another truck driver there who said he couldn’t open the hood,” referring to the stranded car.
Baniyaghoub managed to open the vehicle’s hood and quickly diagnosed the problem—a dead battery with corroded terminals. Thinking fast, he returned to his truck, boiled water using an electric kettle, and used it to clean the corrosion from the battery terminals. With the terminals restored, another motorist provided a jump to restart the car.
To ensure the driver could stay on the road, Baniyaghoub went a step further. He gave her simple instructions on preserving battery power until it could fully charge.
“I can’t forget the woman’s phrase after we started her car,” Baniyaghoub shared. “She was crying and told me, ‘Bless you, bless you.’”
A Legacy of Heroism
Baniyaghoub’s actions reflect the values celebrated by the TCA Highway Angel program, an initiative that has recognized nearly 1,500 truck drivers since its creation in 1997. These professional drivers display remarkable courage, compassion, and courtesy while on the job, going above and beyond in crucial moments.
Thanks to the support of sponsors, including EpicVue, DriverFacts, and Northland Insurance, the TCA proudly highlights exceptional individuals like Baniyaghoub who embody the spirit of kindness and selflessness on the road.
Source: Truckers News
