Northville, N.Y. — On March 4, Goodyear presented its 2023 Highway Hero Award to owner‑operator Timothy VanNostrand and Ryder driver Elijah Ramos, recognizing split‑second actions that saved lives and helped police on the road.

The Highway Hero Award has been handed out each year since 1983 to commercial drivers who go beyond the call of duty. In a profession where miles are measured in responsibility, the honor underscores how truckers serve as first responders, spotters and de‑escalators on America’s highways. The 2023 ceremony marked Goodyear’s 40th anniversary of the program and its 125th year in the tire business.

VanNostrand, a member of the Owner‑Operator Independent Drivers Association, was driving a logging truck near a state‑trooper traffic stop in June 2023 when a suspect opened fire from the vehicle he was pulling over. Seeing bullets exit the rear window, VanNostrand slammed his truck into the suspect’s car, pinning it against the guardrail and forcing the shooter to flee on foot. "I could see the bullets flying out of the back window of the car that the trooper pulled over. I stopped as fast as I could and got slowed down enough to kind of turn into the car and put it against the guardrails, stopping it so the trooper could take control of the situation," he recalled. In a separate incident, Ramos was cruising through a desert stretch of Arizona when an SUV lost control, careened across lanes and slammed into a field. He called 911 immediately, stayed with the injured motorist and waited for emergency crews, noting that the remote location could have delayed help for hours. "I was glad to be there when it happened and to call for help quickly," Ramos said.

What This Means for Drivers

Recognition from a brand like Goodyear reinforces the expectation that CDL‑A drivers and owner‑operators act as community protectors, not just cargo haulers. The award highlights the importance of situational awareness; drivers who can read a developing threat may prevent injuries and avoid costly legal fallout. Fleet managers are reminded to train drivers on emergency response protocols, including how to safely intervene without compromising their own safety. The stories also illustrate that even in isolated stretches, a quick call to emergency services can be the difference between life and death, a lesson that every OTR truck driver should internalize.

Industry Reaction

Rich Cottrell, Goodyear’s senior director of commercial marketing, praised the two honorees as embodiments of the industry’s public‑service role. "The stories submitted this year reinforced the important job that commercial drivers play in our everyday lives and illustrate in heroic ways the powerful impact professional drivers can have on the roads, individual lives, and communities when they help others," he said. Trucking associations across the nation echoed the sentiment, noting that such recognitions boost morale and encourage a culture of safety that benefits both drivers and the public. The award also serves as a reminder to carriers that investing in driver training and safety equipment can yield real-world dividends beyond compliance with FMCSA regulations.

Key Points

• Goodyear honored Timothy VanNostrand and Elijah Ramos with the 2023 Highway Hero Award on March 4.
• VanNostrand used his logging truck to block a shooter’s vehicle during a state‑trooper traffic stop in June 2023.
• Ramos rescued a crashed SUV driver in a remote desert area, staying on scene until emergency crews arrived.
• The award, running since 1983, celebrates truckers who protect lives and enhance highway safety.

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