In celebration of the 40th year of the Goodyear Highway Hero Award, The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company is calling for entries for the 2023 Highway Hero Award, the company reported. Nominees should be drivers who went 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 vice president 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."
To enter or nominate a driver who went above and beyond in the line of duty, visit the nomination form to share the story. Goodyear will determine an approved list of nominees from which a panel of judges will select two winners and up to four finalists. Goodyear will announce the award winners in early 2024, honoring the drivers with cash prizes and a Goodyear prize package including travel and hotel expenses for a trip to New Orleans for a winner announcement at the Technology & Maintenance Council (TMC) Annual Meeting & Transportation Technology Exhibition in March 2024. Up to four runners-up will also receive a cash prize and Goodyear prize packages.
Earlier this year, Goodyear recognized Andrew Waits, a full-time truck driver from Tacoma, Washington, for his swift thinking and courage to act while a life was on the line. As a result of an accident, a motorcyclist was thrown from his vehicle on a busy four-lane highway. Waits positioned his tractor trailer to shield the unconscious motorcyclist from oncoming traffic and attended to the injured man using skills he learned as a volunteer firefighter until first responders could arrive.
"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."