Goodyear honors Wash. truck driver as Highway Hero

ORLANDO, Fla. — With a life in danger, J.B. Hunt Transport driver Andrew Waits acted heroically, maneuvering his tractor-trailer into position to protect an unconscious motorcyclist, who had been thrown from his bike, from oncoming traffic.

For his act of bravery, Waits, of Tacoma, Wash., was named the 38th winner of the Goodyear Highway Hero Award, a program that rewards professional drivers who act courageously for the good of others on highways across the U.S. and Canada since 1983.

Waits received the award during the 2023 Technology & Maintenance Council (TMC) annual meeting in Orlando.

After shielding the motorcyclist from traffic, Waits 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."

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Dave Beasley, vice president of Goodyear North America Commercial, said, "Truck drivers keep our country moving, and it gives me comfort to know we have people like Andrew on the road, getting the job done and courageously helping out when needed."

Waits is the first driver from J.B. Hunt to receive the honor.

"Andrew prioritized the safety and well-being of others in a moment where every second is critical," Nick Hobbs, chief operating officer and president of Contract Services at J.B. Hunt, said. "His actions were selfless and courageous."

Two other finalists were:

Barry Perkins of Burlington, N.J.

Perkins came upon a life-threatening accident that involved several cars, including a vehicle that caught fire with a family trapped inside. Perkins put out the fire and helped the driver and her children out of the vehicle and get safely off the road.

Robert Windsor of Norman, Okla.

Windsor encountered a vehicle that was pinned underneath a semi-truck and engulfed in flames. Robert used his fire extinguisher to neutralize the flames before rescuing a young girl from the pinned vehicle.

Illinois truck driver Gerald "Andy" Wright, who saved the lives of four motorists trapped in a burning SUV, received last year's award.