‘The cherry on top’

With nearly 55 years of experience behind the wheel, an OOIDA board member has been honored for his exemplary driving career.

On Oct. 21, TravelCenters of America announced Doug Smith as one of two recipients of the 2022 Citizen Driver Award. For Smith – a 69-year-old from Bountiful, Utah – the honor is the finishing touch on a career spanning five decades.

“It’s the cherry on top, for sure. Now, all I’ve got to do is fly right and finish strong,” Smith said.

Westlake, Ohio-based TravelCenters of America says the annual award – launched in 2013 – is aimed at “recognizing the professional drivers who keep America moving.”

Drivers were nominated between May 1 and June 30 of this year. According to TA, winners are chosen based on their background as well as their participation in initiatives such as community involvement, safety, health and wellness and leadership. Nearly 200 drivers were nominated for this year’s award.

Smith said he had a secret weapon when it came to winning the award – his daughter Kate. She was the one who nominated him. Smith calls her “my best publicist,” saying she spoke to every little old lady he had ever helped.

Smith has logged 4.3 million crash-free miles over his career, a feat that he says is as much luck as it is preparation and vigilance.

“There’s a good portion of dumb luck,” he said. “I’ve had close calls, and anybody that’s been out here long enough is going to have close calls. And I’ve had some real close calls. Through nothing I’ve done – just being in the wrong place at the right time – but they weren’t impacts.”

Winners of the Citizen Driver award get a check for $5,000 as well as a $2,500 donation to a charity of their choice. On top of the money, the drivers also get to choose a TA, Petro or TA Express location to be dedicated in their honor, with a bronze plaque with the driver’s image and story installed on the front of the building.

“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 company said.

Smith chose the TA in Tooele, Utah, to be dedicated in his name. The location is close to his home, making it easy for his family to be able to stop at the travel center that bears his name. Smith said that other than children, he’s never had anything named in his honor, so he was humbled.

“Wow. That’s quite an honor for your kids to be able to go stop at the travel plaza,” he said. “This is Grandpa’s name in lights here, so to speak.”

As far as his $2,500 donation goes, Smith chose to split the contribution among three charities: The St. Christopher Truckers Relief Fund, Tunnel to Towers and Truckers Final Mile.

Smith joins a host of OOIDA members to have received the distinction. Last year’s Citizen Drivers were Dan Porter and Don Talley – both OOIDA members. Numerous other OOIDA members have won the honor since the program started.

Also receiving the honor this year was Susie De Ridder, a resident of Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada. A 40-year veteran of the trucking industry, she chose the TA in Barstow, Calif., to be dedicated in her name. Truckers Final Mile will receive her $2,500 donation.

Smith and De Ridder join 37 other drivers to have been honored with the award since 2013. Barry Richards, president of TA, says the award helps to showcase the men and women that keep the industry – and the economy – moving.

“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,” Richards said in a statement. “We are committed to continuing to share these drivers’ stories and demonstrate why they deserve respect and recognition year-round.” LL