Goodyear Highway Hero honors truck driver for life-saving actions
Truckers routinely put themselves in harm’s way to help others in need.
Goodyear created its Highway Hero award program to recognize these actions on roadways across the U.S. and Canada.
This program is a way Goodyear recognizes the growth and importance of the commercial trucking industry.
In August, the company named Adam Medley of Omro, Wis., a driver for J.B. Hunt since 2019, its 41st Highway Hero.
During a routine delivery on County Road A in Green Lake, Wis., Medley saw some debris in the road. It was approximately 2 a.m., so it was difficult to tell what he was seeing.
“I knew something was wrong, but it was dark, so I wasn’t sure if someone lost a trash bag or something fell out of someone’s boat or anything like that,” he said. “Once I got close enough to see, I thought, ‘Deer don’t wear denim.’”
He soon realized it was a person lying in the road. Medley safely pulled over and helped the individual off the road. He also contacted local authorities, who took control of the situation when they arrived on the scene.
“In a moment where every second counted, Adam put the safety and well-being of others first,” said Nick Hobbs, chief operating officer at J.B. Hunt. “His actions exemplified integrity and selflessness, and we are excited that Goodyear has recognized him with this year’s Highway Hero award.”
Medley said it’s critical for everyone on the road to be aware at all times.
“Keep your eyes forward and distractions to a minimum,” he said. “I’ve used the Smith System ever since I started driving in 1993, and that’s something that’s worked well for me. Safety is always something that’s stuck with me, and that’s what makes a good driver.”
Medley was nominated by J.B. Hunt and said he was completely surprised when he received the news he had won.
“I’m really thankful for the Green Bay crew and everyone at J.B. Hunt,” he said. “I was caught off guard when I received a message from our (J.B. Hunt) regional VP. Even at that point, I don’t think I totally understood what exactly it was all about. Goodyear reached out to me about a week later to finalize all the details.”
Goodyear presented Medley with a cash prize as well as an exclusive Goodyear blimp ride.
There’s a bit of a connection there, as Goodyear was part of the EAA AirVenture event held in Oshkosh, Wis., about 20 minutes from where Medley resides. Additionally, he used to make deliveries across from a hangar where Goodyear blimps are stored in Akron, Ohio. He also grew up a frequent passenger on his grandfather’s plane.
Medley said it will be an enjoyable event.
“Adam’s story continues to remind us that professional truck drivers are the unsung heroes of our roads,” said Joe Burke, vice president of Goodyear North America Commercial. “His quick and professional response to this unexpected situation demonstrates the integrity, dedication and compassion that define what’s the best of our industry.”
More information about the Highway Hero program is available on the Goodyear website. LL