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De Ridder and Smith by TravelCenters of America

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TravelCenters of America has selected its annual Citizen Driver Award winners, the company announced Nov. 3.

The Citizen Driver Award recognizes the important work professional drivers do to keep the country moving. Susie De Ridder of Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada, and Douglas Ralph Smith of Bountiful, Utah, were selected as the winners this year.

“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,” TA President Barry Richards said. “We are committed to continuing to share these drivers’ stories and demonstrate why they deserve respect and recognition year-round.”

TA launched the award program in 2013. Winners are chosen based on their background and involvement in initiatives including community involvement, safety, health and wellness, and leadership. De Ridder and Smith have a combined 95 years of experience hauling freight across the nation, with over 8 million accident-free miles. They were chosen from nearly 200 nominations.

Recipients can choose a TA, Petro or TA Express location to be dedicated in their honor. A bronze historical marker with their image and story is then installed on the front of the building, along with a dedication ceremony where family and friends may attend.

De Ridder has chosen the TA in Barstow, Calif., to be dedicated in her name and has selected Truckers Final Mile to receive a $2,500 donation as part of the award.

Smith has chosen the TA in Tooele, Utah, to be dedicated in his name. He will split his $2,500 donation among the St. Christopher Truckers Relief Fund, Tunnel to Towers and Truckers Final Mile. — Transport Topics

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