WESTLAKE, Ohio — TravelCenters of America’s (TA) newest Citizen Driver Award winners are Susie Deridder of Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada, and Douglas Ralph Smith of Bountiful, Utah.
Deridder and Smith were chosen from nearly 200 nominations, according to a news release.
The professional drivers have a combined 95 years of hauling freight across the nation, with over 8 million accident-free miles.
“Each year, our Citizen Driver Program honors those who go above and beyond to serve others. Their commitment to delivering our nation’s goods, no matter the circumstances, is critical for our country’s economy,” Barry Richards, president of TA, said. “We are committed to continuing to share these drivers’ stories and demonstrate why they deserve respect and recognition year-round.”
As a Citizen Driver Award recipient, drivers may choose a TA, Petro or TA Express location to be dedicated in their honor. To celebrate their career and contributions, a bronze historical marker with the driver’s image and story is installed on the front of the building, and a dedication ceremony is held with dozens of their closest family and friends.
“By dedicating a location in their name and displaying their accomplishments at the site, TA allows the drivers’ stories to be heard by all travelers that pass through,” the news release stated.
Susie Deridder has chosen the TA in Barstow, California, to be dedicated in her name and is giving her $2,500 donation to Truckers Final Mile.
Doug Smith has chosen the TA in Tooele, Utah, to be dedicated in his name. He will split his $2,500 donation among the following three charities: The St. Christopher Truckers Relief Fund, Tunnel to Towers and Truckers Final Mile.
TA launched the Citizen Driver program in 2013 with the intention of recognizing the professional drivers who keep America moving.
Winners are chosen based on their background and involvement in initiatives including community involvement, safety, health and wellness and leadership.
The Trucker News Staff produces engaging content for not only TheTrucker.com, but also The Trucker Newspaper, which has been serving the trucking industry for more than 30 years. With a focus on drivers, the Trucker News Staff aims to provide relevant, objective content pertaining to the trucking segment of the transportation industry. The Trucker News Staff is based in Little Rock, Arkansas.
