Goodyear Tire & Rubber is accepting entries for the 2023 Highway Hero Award in celebration of the 40th anniversary of the award, the company announced. Nominees should be drivers who have gone above and beyond to keep America moving safely.
"Commercial truck drivers fulfill an important, vital job for our country and communities. Nearly every aspect of our daily lives is made possible thanks to a commercial truck driver," said Dave Beasley, North America commercial VP at Goodyear. "This year, to celebrate Goodyear's 125th anniversary, we want to acknowledge even more of those who go above and beyond to keep America moving, whether it's on the highways, on job sites, or in our communities."
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Goodyear will select two winners from a wider pool of commercial drivers than ever before. Through Dec. 31, 2023, Goodyear is seeking nominations for CDL drivers who have gone above and beyond the call of duty to help others on the road, regardless of whether they operate highway trucks or regional delivery or vocational vehicles.
To enter or nominate a driver who has gone above and beyond in the line of duty, visit the nomination form to share the story. A panel of judges will select two winners and up to four finalists from a list of nominees approved by Goodyear. The winners of the Goodyear award will be announced in early 2024. They will receive cash prizes and a Goodyear prize package, which will include travel and hotel expenses for a trip to New Orleans in March 2024 for the announcement of the winner at the Technology & Maintenance Council Annual Meeting & Transportation Technology Exhibition. A cash prize and Goodyear prize packages will be awarded to up to four runners-up.
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Earlier this year, Goodyear recognized Andrew Waits, a full-time truck driver from Tacoma, Washington, for his swift thinking and courage to act when a life was on the line. An accident caused a motorcyclist to be thrown from his vehicle on a busy four-lane highway. While waiting for first responders, Waits positioned his tractor trailer to shield the unconscious motorcyclist from oncoming traffic and attended to the injured man using the skills he had learned as a volunteer firefighter.
"You never know what you're going to see on any given day," Waits said. "This accident happened right in front of me, and I had to think quick. I utilized my knowledge and instincts to help those in need at a very crucial time."
