Truck drivers passing through Virginia Beach this past Monday were treated to unusual safety inspections. Instead of citations and a hard time, truckers got something unusual: kindness.
When drivers pulled into the weigh station on I-264 East just before the Rosemont Road exit, they were greeted with a surprise. The first sign that something was different was probably seeing Santa in his big red suit waving at them.
Next, they pulled up to be greeted by Officer Forest Godwin with the Suffolk Police Department. He directed them to an area where volunteers handed out free Chick-Fil-A, donuts, and drinks.
Twenty-five years ago, Officer Godwin first came up with the idea for “Driver Appreciation Day.”
“Yes, somebody else is thinking about the truck drivers in a positive way instead of a negative way,” Godwin told ABC13. “These guys are dealing with a lot of different things and it’s difficult. They’ve got to give one hundred and ten percent.”
Together with the Virginia Beach Police Department Motor Carrier Safety Unit, AAA, and multiple other organizations and volunteers, a local non-profit put together the inspection blitz. Drive Safe Hampton Roads is an organization “with the goal of increasing the community’s involvement and awareness of traffic safety issues.”
The tradition has been going on for the past 25 years. It’s known amongst local drivers who even look forward to and seek out the event.
Source: drivesafehr, 13newsnow
Tommy Molnar says
Ya gotta love this!
Lady Doe says
THANK GOD!!!!! SOMEBODY REALIZE WHAT A HARD TIME WE HAVE OUT. MY HAT GOES OFF TO YOU GUYS. JOB WELL DONE. YOU JUST MADE MY DAY. SO HEART WARMING. SO HAPPY SO ONE CARES FOR US. JUST FILL WITH JOY!!!!! THANK YOU.
Trucker says
Thanks
Howie D says
That’s awesome!! We do give 110%!! Everyday out there we deal with all kinds of obstacles!! Shipping and receiving delays. Traffic delays!! I just wish someone could get people to stay off their cell phones and concentrate on their driving!!!👍😎
Ariel Castillo says
This is nice. Restores my faith in humanity a little more.
Buck says
Next time brake inspections for everyone
Donald Mickunas says
THANK YOU! We can use all the help we can get when it seems most of the world wants to make our jobs more and more difficult. I so appreciate it.
Nick says
That’s really nice for the driver who barely make it or won’t make it home for Christmas.
Charles says
Kudos to Ofc. Godwin. Great to hear someone thinking of drivers.
James says
It’s like a rat trap, for the first few times, you bait it but don’t set it.
James E Pretty says
I think it’s important for the general public to understand what it takes to be a OTR,LOCAL Driver. We sacrificed many holidays away from our loved ones. GREAT JOB HAMPTON BEACH ,AAA AND ALL WHO PARTICIPATED.
David says
This is a wonderful and heart warming thing! We all , I hope I’m speaking for all us drivers ,out here on the road want to say “THANK YOU” officer Godwin and to all that helped you to put it together.
MrNA says
Are they doing inspections at the same time. Sounds like a mouse trap if so. Just saying
Tracy Taylor says
That a good idea i wish every weight station did that
po says
What a joke, one day giving out a few chicken sandwiches. Doesn’t make up for the other 364 days a year of harassing, disrespecting, degrading, intimidating and extorting money out our hard working truckers that can barely take care of their family’s,while the POS dot truck Nazis get full medical, retirement and a decent salary. Paid by the tax payers,
Geri mann says
This is a great thing. I think more states should be doing this. High 5 to all that made this happen GOD BLESS THEM ALL.
Kelly says
Officer Godwin you are truly what the ‘Christmas Spirit ‘ is all about!! Humanity is still alive)))
Charles h. says
First time in 30 plus years I’ve ever heard about this…
Cherokee says
Thats awesome. Thank you officer for the appreciation. Thank you for your public service.