AKRON — Goodyear has opened nominations up for its annual Highway Hero Award, recognizing commercial truck drivers who go above and beyond their duties to keep highways safe.
This year, however, the Akron-based tire maker said it is expanding its pool of eligible drivers, and it will honor two truck drivers, as part of the firm's celebration of its 125th anniversary, which was Aug. 28.
Anyone with a valid commercial driver's license who is a full-time driver of a commercial, infrastructure, vocational or non-lifesaving emergency vehicle with rim size greater than 19 inches who reside in the U.S. or Canada is eligible. The driver must have gone above and beyond the call of duty to help others on the road, regardless of whether in a long-haul truck, a dump truck or certain regional delivery and vocational vehicles.
Commercial trucker must be on the job at the time of the incident, which must have occurred between Jan. 1-Dec. 31, 2023.
Winners receive cash and a Goodyear prize package including a trip to the ATA's Technology and Maintenance Council Annual Meeting & Transportation Technology Conference in New Orleans in March, 2024.
As many as four finalists will receive a cash prize and Goodyear prize packages.
Nominations will be accepted through Dec. 31. To nominate a driver, click here and use the nomination form.
Dave Beasley, vice president, North America Commercial, said truck drivers have "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,"
As part of Goodyear's anniversary celebration, he said the company wants "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."
Earlier this year, Goodyear honored Andrew Waits, a full-time truck driver from Tacoma, Wash., for his actions that saved a life. As a result of an accident, a motorcyclist was thrown from his vehicle on a busy, four-lane highway. Waits quickly positioned his tractor trailer to shield the unconscious motorcyclist from oncoming traffic and attended to the injured man, using skills 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."
