Goodyear seeks special truck drivers as Highway Heroes

AKRON, Ohio — The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company is starting its second quarter-century of celebrating truck-driver heroics.

The company announced today that a search is on for U.S. and Canadian drivers who come to the rescue of fellow motorists.

Nominations for the prestigious 26th annual Goodyear North America Highway Hero Awards will be accepted through Nov. 30.

To be considered for this year's award, the following criteria must be met:

• Nominee must be a full-time truck driver

• Nominee must be a resident of the United States or Canada

• Incident recognized must have occurred in the United States or Canada

• Nominee must have been on the job or on the way to or from work, and in his or her rig at the time of the incident

• Nominee's truck at the time of the incident must have 14 wheels or more, and

• Incident must have taken place between Nov. 16, 2007, and Nov. 15 of this year to qualify.

Joe Copeland, vice president for Goodyear commercial tire systems, said, "Too many times, we only hear about the negative news of our world. That extends to truck drivers, who are truly misunderstood for the role they play in moving freight from the factories to our homes.

"We see today's truck driver as the brave men and women who make our highways safer and drive our economy. They truly are America's unsung heroes, and we want to honor them.

"The Highway Hero program is for those who selflessly risk life and limb to come to the aid of fellow motorists or who make the world a better place for all. Anyone can nominate a truck driver for this high honor," Copeland said.

Nomination forms and program details may be obtained by calling the Goodyear Highway Hero Hotline at (330) 796-8183. The nomination form also is available on the program's Web site.