Green Lake, Wisconsin — J.B. Hunt Transport driver Adam Medley received the 41st Goodyear Highway Hero Award on September 9, 2026 after he stopped his rig on County Road A on July 28, 2024, discovered a person unconscious in the roadway and administered immediate aid while awaiting police.
Trucking crews spend countless hours navigating highways, construction zones and rural backroads where debris and unexpected hazards are part of the daily grind. A driver’s split‑second judgment can mean the difference between a routine delay and a life‑or‑death scenario. Medley’s quick decision to pull over, secure his vehicle and rush to the victim exemplifies the kind of on‑the‑spot responsibility that industry safety programs try to instill in every CDL‑A driver.
On the afternoon of July 28, Medley was hauling a refrigerated load for J.B. Hunt when a glint of white on the pavement caught his eye. What first appeared to be stray litter proved to be a person lying prone in the lane. Traffic was building, but Medley halted his 75‑foot tractor‑trailer in a safe spot, exited the cab, and began administering first aid while dialing 911. Local police and emergency responders arrived within minutes, crediting Medley’s prompt action for the victim’s survival. The Goodyear Highway Hero program, now in its 41st year, highlighted his conduct as a model of professionalism and compassion.
What This Means for Drivers
For CDL‑A holders and owner‑operators, Medley’s story reinforces the expectation that every driver is a first responder on the road. Fleet managers are reminded to incorporate emergency‑response drills into regular safety meetings, ensuring drivers know how to secure a vehicle, assess a victim and contact authorities without hesitation. The incident also underscores the value of keeping a well‑stocked first‑aid kit in the cab, a practice that can turn a routine stop into a lifesaving intervention. Finally, the recognition signals that trucking companies that prioritize driver training on roadside emergencies may see lower incident reports and stronger community relations.
Industry Reaction
The broader trucking community has lauded the award, noting that Medley’s actions align with ongoing campaigns by the American Trucking Associations and FMCSA regulations that stress driver vigilance and public safety. Carriers across the nation are using the story in safety bulletins, urging drivers to treat every unexpected obstacle as a potential emergency. Advocacy groups for road safety have pointed to the case as evidence that commercial drivers often serve as the first line of defense for motorists and pedestrians alike.
Key Points
- Adam Medley, a J.B. Hunt driver from Omro, Wis., rescued a person on County Road A in Green Lake on July 28, 2024.
- His actions earned him the 41st Goodyear Highway Hero Award, announced September 9, 2026.
- The incident highlights the importance of driver‑initiated emergency response and proper first‑aid equipment.
- Industry bodies cite the rescue as a benchmark for safety training among truck driver jobs and owner‑operators.
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