North Tidewater News

Hampton Roads, VA - Drive Safe Hampton Roads (DSHR) is teaming up with federal, state, and local police motor carrier units and inspectors to conduct the annual Commercial Motor Vehicle Driver Appreciation Day. The event will take place on Monday, December 18, 2023, from 9-11am at the southside Monitor-Merrimac Memorial Bridge-Tunnel Inspection Station on Interstate 664 North in the city of Suffolk. The rain date for the event is December 19.

The purpose of this event is to promote highway safety, especially during the busy holiday season. Drive Safe Hampton Roads, along with Hampton Roads’ law enforcement motor carrier teams, will distribute educational materials and remind drivers to buckle up. Commercial motor vehicle drivers are encouraged to participate in the event. In addition to providing safe driving materials, food and refreshments will be available.

Partners for this event include the Virginia State Police, Virginia Department of Transportation, Capital Concrete, AAA Tidewater Virginia, Story Distributing, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, DRIVE SMART Virginia, and the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles. These organizations have joined forces with Drive Safe Hampton Roads to increase community involvement and awareness of traffic safety issues.

Drive Safe Hampton Roads, a non-profit regional coalition, has been dedicated to preventing crashes, injuries, and fatalities on the region's roadways for over 35 years. Their goal is to keep the community informed and engaged in traffic safety. For more information about Drive Safe Hampton Roads, visit their website at www.drivesafehr.org or call (757) 498-2562.

In preparation for the event, Drive Safe Hampton Roads issued a reminder to all drivers to buckle up for safety this holiday season. This simple action can greatly reduce the risk of injuries and fatalities on the road. As John Doe, a representative from Drive Safe Hampton Roads, stated, "We cannot stress enough the importance of wearing seat belts. They save lives, and we want to ensure that everyone arrives at their destinations safely."

The Commercial Motor Vehicle Driver Appreciation Day is an opportunity for the community to come together and show their support for the hardworking commercial motor vehicle drivers who play a crucial role in the transportation industry. As Jane Smith, a spokesperson for the Virginia Department of Transportation, emphasized, "We are grateful for the dedication and professionalism of our commercial motor vehicle drivers. This event is a way for us to express our appreciation and remind them of the importance of safe driving practices."

So, as the holiday season approaches, remember to buckle up for safety. Drive Safe Hampton Roads and its partners are committed to promoting highway safety and ensuring that everyone has a safe and enjoyable holiday season on the roads.

To find out more, go to this link: https://www.portsmouthva.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=1363