Dear Drive Safe Members,
As we move forward in our June 2021-June 2022 calendar year, I want to thank you for your continued commitment to the organization and to our mission. It has been a tough and challenging year. When I became President, my goals included maintaining a presence in Hampton Roads and increasing our donor sponsorship. As the COVID-19 restrictions have lifted, the organization has slowly become more active.
As 2021 moves to an end, I want to take a few moments of your time and fill you in on a few highlights of the year. I believe these are things we should be proud of.
* Commercial Motor Vehicle Driver Appreciation Days have been held for 28 years. Approximately 200 trucks drive through each of the twice-yearly events. Even with Covid-19 rules limiting the number of volunteers pitching in, both events were successful!
* The 2020 John T. Hanna Awards for Excellence in Traffic Safety was held online in January 2021. There were six winners recognized for these awards. You can read about them on this website using the link at the bottom left of the home page. Remember to submit your nomination(s) for the 2021 awards by clicking on the John T. Hanna Award link under the Get Involved tab.
* Participated in the DRIVE SMART Virginia Distracted Driving Summit, providing a driving resource vendor table offering the Good Times Guide posters and other materials.
* Implementing the 2021-22 Get It Together teen seatbelt challenge, offering some activities in-person and some virtual.
It’s been a different type of year, starting with a soft opening of more DSHR activities in June 2021 with lots of adaptations and challenges. But, we have been innovative and creative. I give thanks for all that we have achieved and look forward to what we will be able to accomplish. What first began in 1988 as Concerned Citizen’s Advocating Traffic Safety (CCATS) is now Drive Safe Hampton Roads (DSHR), 33 plus years later. Together, we are all moving Drive Safe Hampton Roads forward.
Thank you for all you do for the organization, for our community, and for our mission. It is such a great honor and privilege to work with the quality of persons that are a part of this great organization. Have a blessed and wonderful holiday season!
Sincerely,
Kate Wilson
AAA Tidewater Virginia
President, Drive Safe Hampton Roads 2020-2021
