On Sunday, February 26th at the 2023 Technology & Maintenance Council Annual Meeting in Orlando, Florida, Andrew Waits of Tacoma, Washington was named Goodyear’s Highway Hero for his courageous actions that saved a man’s life. The incident occurred on a four-lane highway when an accident caused a motorcyclist to be thrown from their vehicle and lay unconscious amidst moving traffic. Without hesitation, Waits maneuvered his tractor-trailer into position as protective barrier before attending to the injured person with emergency first aid skills acquired through volunteer firefighting.
“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.”
“We’re proud to honor Andrew and all of this year’s finalists in the Goodyear Highway Hero Award,” said Dave Beasley, vice president of Goodyear North America Commercial. “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.”
“Andrew prioritized the safety and well-being of others in a moment where every second is critical,” said Nick Hobbs, chief operating officer and president of Contract Services at J.B. Hunt. “His actions were selfless and courageous, and we are grateful that Goodyear is recognizing him with the 2022 Highway Hero Award.”
After being nominated by his peers for displaying remarkable bravery on the road, Waits was chosen from among dozens of deserving entries to be crowned victor out of a panel of independent industry judges.
The two additional finalists have their own incredible stories.
Barry Perkins of Burlington, New Jersey courageously intervened in an accident involving multiple cars that jeopardized the lives of a family. Fire engulfed their vehicle, trapping a mother and her children inside. Amid the chaos, Perkins’s quick-thinking allowed him to spring into action. He extinguished the flames and helped the driver and her children exit the vehicle and get off the road safely.
Robert Windsor of Norman, Oklahoma acted swiftly and heroically to save a young girl in dire circumstances. Arriving on the scene where a vehicle was pinned under a semi-truck and engulfed by flames, Windsor neutralized them with his fire extinguisher before saving the trapped individual inside.
To learn more about the Highway Hero Award, read about former winners, visit https://www.goodyeartrucktires.com/newsroom/highway-heroes/
Source: truckersnews
