SARNIA, Ont. — Truckers are being commended for helping out as southwestern Ontario was hammered by a major snowstorm that stranded hundreds of motorists in their vehicles.

According to reports, truck drivers were opening their doors and welcoming in stranded motorists. One such driver was David Virgin, a 40-year veteran with D&J Transportation, who allowed a couple and their baby to spend the night in his cab, according to a news release from the Ontario Trucking Association (OTA).

“I noticed a couple, along with their baby, behind me stranded in a car. I have a nice warm cab, so I invited them in to spend the night,” Virgin said yesterday from County Road 22 where he was expecting to remain until later today.

In another instance, Bill Justice, a driver with Trailwood offered a heated bunk to another driver. And Dan Moreland, a driver with Elgin Motor Freight, invited in an overnight guest who was stranded for 30 hours. Justice said many truck drivers were doing the same to help those stuck in passenger vehicles to stay warm through the night.

Jim Canod, a driver with Liberty Linehaul, was among those stranded on Hwy. 402. He was taken to a warming centre in Wyoming, Ont. He said he has only seen one winter storm this severe in 37 years of driving. Canod said he told rescuers to help car motorists out first, since he was still comfortable in the cab of his truck.

In recognizing the efforts of professional drivers on the scene, the OTA said “The goodwill of Virgin, Justice, Canod, Moreland and other drivers like them helped avoid tragedy on Highway 402. Ontario Trucking Association commends these truck drivers for their efforts to keep other motorists on Ontario’s highways safe, not just today but every day of the year.”