CHALLENGER MOTOR FREIGHT, INC. DRIVER BRAVES NEGATIVE TEMPERATURES TO ASSIST COUPLE

07/24/2018
Alexandria, Virginia

Christina Powell, a professional truck driver with Challenger Motor Freight, Inc., of Cambridge, Ontario, has been named a Highway Angel by the Truckload Carriers Association (TCA). Powell, who resides also in Baden, Ontario is being recognized for her role in helping an elderly couple who was in an automobile accident.

On January 5, 2018, Powell was cleaning out her truck to move to a new one, per the request of her dispatcher. She moved all her gear and blankets to the back of her vehicle and headed home after a long shift that had started at 4:00 a.m. As she drove down Highway 7/8, she noticed up ahead several cars off to the side of the road and much commotion. Just then, one passing car hit the side-wall and a huge puff of snow blasted into the air. Powell pulled over and quickly ran to the scene to make sure everyone was OK.

Everyone seemed fine in the first few cars, and then she came upon the car with the most damage. The couple was visibly shaken, and as they were older, and she felt the need to tend to them, ensuring they stayed calm. It was a blistering minus-26-degree evening, so Powell went to her truck and grabbed blankets to help keep them warm. She then began to direct traffic to prevent further wrecks. Powell went back and forth between the immobile car and the road, checking on the couple while diverting vehicles until the police arrived.

When the first officer arrived on the scene, he brought the couple over to Powell’s vehicle so they could stay warm. Powell was nervous to personally move them until a first responder assessed the situation. “I don’t do anything at a scene like this unless I’m told by the police or paramedics,” she said. Shortly thereafter, paramedics arrived and decided the couple needed to be taken to the hospital. Abdul, the husband who Powell tended to, wanted to obtain her name and number, as well as her company so he could properly thank her.

“I didn’t give them my name. I wasn’t looking for accolades,” shared Powell. “Just happened to be in the right place at the right time to help them out. I’m so glad they’re OK!”

After a long day of work, in the below freezing temperatures, Powell didn’t hesitate to pull over and assist strangers in their time of need. Her alertness and selflessness truly make her a deserving Highway Angel.

TCA’s Highway Angel program is sponsored by EpicVue. Both organizations are honored to recognize deserving professional truck drivers as Highway Angels for the unusual kindness, courtesy, and courage they have shown others while on the job.