The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company recently announced it will field nominations for the annual Highway Hero Award through Dec. 31. The program recognizes CDL professionals who make selfless acts to benefit others on North American highways. Submissions involve telling the story of heroism performed by a trucker through an online platform.
“As routes take truck drivers to every corner of North America, many go above and beyond their regular duties, even serving as first responders to incidents that occur on our roads and highways,” Gary Medalis, director of product development and marketing at Goodyear, reportedly said. “The Goodyear Highway Hero Award program is designed to express our gratitude for these hardworking truck drivers and to celebrate their incredible acts of bravery.”
The award winner for 2020-2021 was Gerald “Andy” Wright, who was honored in March. The Jacksonville, Illinois, truckers came upon a vehicle that caught fire on Route 3. With only a load bar and a fire extinguisher, he managed to smash the car’s sunroof and pull the two occupants out. As Wright got the motorist and passenger to safety, the entire vehicle was engulfed in flames. Putting himself in harm’s way to save two lives earned Wright the 37th annual Highway Hero Award.
“From the moment I saw the flames, all I could think about was what I could do to help those inside the car get to safety. I’m honored to be given this award from Goodyear, and at the end of the day, I feel very fortunate to have been in the right place at the right time to help those in need,” Wright reportedly said. “Receiving the 2020-2021 Highway Hero Award was incredibly humbling and a true honor, but the interstate is filled with truck drivers who go above and beyond for others in amazing ways every day. With so many incredible stories of bravery yet to be told, I can’t wait to learn more about all of this year’s nominees.”
To be eligible for the 38th annual Highway Hero Award, the nominee must be a full-time truck driver, reside in the U.S. or Canada and the individual’s truck at the time of the incident must feature 12 wheels or more. The act of heroism must have occurred between Jan. 1, 2022, and Dec. 31, 2022.
Officials at Goodyear will determine an approved list of nominees from which a panel of judges will select the winner and two finalists. Goodyear will announce the award winner in early 2023, honoring the driver with a cash prize, a Goodyear prize package, and travel and hotel expenses for a trip to Orlando for a winner announcement at the Technology & Maintenance Council Annual Meeting & Transportation Technology Exhibition in March 2023. Two runners-up will also receive cash and Goodyear prize packages.
To nominate a deserving trucker, fill out the submission form at Goodyear Highway Heroes.
Sources: goodyeartrucktires.com, corporate.goodyear.com, ttnews.com
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