ORLANDO, FL — J.B. Hunt driver Andrew Waits of Tacoma, Washington, earned the 38th annual Goodyear Highway Hero award for his split-second decision to protect an unconscious motorcyclist on a high-speed four-lane highway. The recognition ceremony took place on February 26, 2023, during the Technology & Maintenance Council Annual Meeting, highlighting the essential role professional drivers play in public safety.
The incident began when a multi-vehicle accident threw a motorcyclist into the flow of traffic. Recognizing the immediate danger, Waits maneuvered his tractor-trailer to block oncoming vehicles, creating a physical barrier that protected the victim. Drawing on his previous experience as a volunteer firefighter, Waits provided emergency first aid until professional medical help arrived on the scene. This level of situational awareness remains a benchmark for every OTR truck driver navigating the nation's congested interstate system.
Waits was selected from a pool of dozens of nominees by an independent panel of industry judges. The selection process also recognized two other finalists for their exceptional bravery: Barry Perkins of Burlington, New Jersey, who rescued a family from a burning vehicle, and Robert Windsor of Norman, Oklahoma, who used a fire extinguisher to save a young girl trapped in a vehicle pinned under a semi-truck. These stories underscore the reality that trucking companies are hiring individuals who must often serve as the first line of defense during highway emergencies.
What This Means for Drivers
Professional drivers frequently find themselves in positions where they are the only ones capable of intervening before emergency services arrive. Proper training in basic first aid and fire suppression can make a difference between life and death for civilians caught in highway accidents. While the primary job of a CDL-A driver is the safe transport of freight, these incidents demonstrate that being a professional requires an elevated level of vigilance. Carriers and owner-operator fleets are increasingly emphasizing that safety protocols extend far beyond the cab of the truck.
Industry Reaction
Leadership from both Goodyear and J.B. Hunt praised the winners for their selflessness. Dave Beasley, vice president of Goodyear North America Commercial, noted that these acts of courage provide comfort to the public and reinforce the vital role of the trucking industry. Nick Hobbs, COO of J.B. Hunt, emphasized that Waits prioritized the well-being of others at a critical moment when every second mattered, reflecting the high standards expected of drivers on the road today.
Key Points
- Andrew Waits used his rig as a protective shield to save a motorcyclist from being struck by traffic.
- The award ceremony was held at the 2023 Technology & Maintenance Council Annual Meeting in Orlando.
- Barry Perkins and Robert Windsor were recognized as finalists for their heroic interventions involving vehicle fires and trapped victims.
- The Goodyear Highway Hero award has been a staple of industry recognition for nearly four decades.
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