The truck driving industry needs your input! Each year, Travel Centers of America conducts a Citizen Driver contest where truck drivers are recognized for their superb effort and work in the past year. Nominations for the Citizen Driver Award are officially open to the public, as reported by Truckers News.
The Citizen Driver program first ran its course in 2013, making the 2023 nominees and winners a part of the 10th consecutive celebration. The original intention was to identify and uplift drivers who have gone above and beyond in the industry. A lot goes into making the decision on who to nominate including the drivers’ background and involvement in initiatives that support their communities, contribute to safety, increase overall health and wellness, and demonstrate leadership qualities.
Once the winners are announced, recipients are able to leave their mark on the truck driving community. Winners are asked to select a Travel Centers of America, Petro, or Travel Centers of America Express location which will be dedicated to the recipient. A bronze marker with both the drivers’ image and truck driving story will be displayed on the front of the building.
The placement of the marker is followed by a special dedication ceremony where the truck driver being honored can invite their family and friends to join in the celebration.
Such a public display of recognition is both well deserved for the people who keep America running and spreads the word on how amazing truck drivers are. Each traveler that stops at the driver’s chosen Travel Centers of America location is able to see and read the driver’s story.
Two winners were selected from a pool of about 200 in the 2022 Citizen Driver contest. Susie De Ridder from Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada and Douglas Smith of Bountiful, Utah shared in the celebration of being chosen as 2022’s Citizen Drivers.
When it came to deciding which location to be dedicated under her name, De Ridder chose the Travel Center of America located in Barstow, California. Last year’s winners also received $2,500 to make in donation form to a place of their choice. De Ridder selected Truckers Final Mile.
Smith decided to dedicate the Travel Center of America in Tooele, Utah. He has plans to take his $2,500 donation and split it three ways. The St. Christopher Truckers Relief Fund, Tunnel to Towers, and Truckers Final Mile will all receive a portion of the donation.
Your voice matters in this decision! If you want to participate in nominations, click here.
