Truck driver Paul Mathias was recognized as a Goodyear Highway Hero for stepping in to help a family whose SUV was struck by another vehicle in what turned out to be a fatal accident.

Mathias, a U.S. military veteran, had stopped his truck at a red light in Phoenix, Arizona, when a vehicle slammed into an SUV carrying a mother and her two children. He helped the mother perform CPR on her son and comforted the woman’s daughter, who passed away moments later.

He continued administering CPR to the boy until emergency crews arrived. The boy survived.

Mathias received a commemorative Goodyear Highway Hero ring during a special event at the Crowne Plaza Louisville Airport Hotel in Louisville, Kentucky.

"We are proud to add Paul Mathias to our list of Goodyear Highway Heroes," said Gary Medalis, marketing director, Goodyear.  "His leadership, courage and willingness to help a family in crisis exemplify the spirit of this award."

The Goodyear Highway Hero Award honors truck drivers who put themselves in harm's way to help others. The winner was selected by an independent panel consisting of members of the trucking trade media. Other finalists for this year's Goodyear Highway Hero Award included Darrell Atkins, a driver from Alvaredo, Texas, and Don Frederick, a driver from Kimbolton, Ohio.