Goodyear is calling for entries for the 2023 Highway Hero Award. Since 1983, Goodyear has been recognizing commercial truck drivers who go above and beyond their regular duties to keep the highways safe.

"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, vice president, North America Commercial. "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 commemorate the 40th anniversary of the Goodyear Highway Hero award, Goodyear will select two winners from a wider pool of commercial drivers than ever before. Through Dec. 31, Goodyear is inviting nominations for truckers with a commercial driver’s license who went 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.

Nominations

Do you know someone who should be a Highway Hero? Nominate a CDL driver who went above and beyond the call of duty to help others on the road.

Winners will receive a $2,000 cash prize and a trip to New Orleans, Louisiana, for the awards ceremony.

To enter or nominate a driver, visit Highway Heroes on Goodyear’s website and use the nomination form to share their story.

Eligibility

Eligible nominees for this year's Highway Hero Award must be a full-time commercial driver with a valid CDL, reside in the U.S. or Canada, and be actively operating a commercial, infrastructure, vocational vehicle, or non-lifesaving emergency vehicle with rim size greater than 19 inches.

Moreover, the commercial trucker must be on the job at the time of the heroic incident and the act must have occurred between Jan. 1, 2023, and Dec. 31, 2023.

Selection of Winners

Goodyear will determine an approved list of nominees from which a panel of judges will select two winners and up to four finalists.

The company will announce the award winners in early 2024, honoring the drivers with cash prizes, a Goodyear prize package including travel and hotel expenses for a trip to New Orleans for a winner announcement at the American Trucking Associations' Technology & Maintenance Council Annual Meeting & Transportation Technology Exhibition in March 2024.

Up to four runners-up will also receive a cash prize and Goodyear prize packages.

Hero in Action

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 quickly 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," said Waits. "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."

{Editor's note: This article was updated on 11/9/2023}