“Truck drivers are the unsung heroes of our roads and communities,” said Joe Stuglis, vice president, Commercial Sales North America, Goodyear. “For more than four decades, the Highway Hero Award has celebrated those who step up in critical moments to protect others. We’re proud to continue this tradition and shine a spotlight on their inspiring stories.”

The Highway Hero Award has been recognizing drivers since 1983, honoring men and women who go far beyond the everyday job of hauling freight. Every year, the program looks for drivers who jumped into action during emergencies, protected others on the road, or showed exceptional bravery while on duty.

Nominations are now open through January 31, 2026. To qualify, nominees must hold a valid CDL and operate a commercial vehicle such as a long-haul truck, vocational truck, infrastructure truck, or a non-lifesaving emergency vehicle with rim sizes over 19 inches. The heroic act must have taken place between January 1 and December 31, 2025, while the driver was actively working in the United States or Canada.

Submitting a nomination is simple. Drivers, coworkers, fleet managers, or anyone who witnessed the event can share a detailed account of what happened. Goodyear will review all entries, create an approved list of nominees, and then hand it over to a judging panel. One Highway Hero will be selected along with up to two finalists.

The winner will be announced in early 2026. Along with cash prizes, the top honoree will also receive a ride on the Goodyear Blimp. Finalists will also earn cash awards, recognizing their bravery and contributions to road safety.

If you know a driver who stepped up when the road needed them most, now is the time to put their name in the running.

Source: The Trucker

The post Goodyear Kicks Off Search For 2025 Highway Hero Award appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

This prestigious recognition celebrates truck drivers who go above and beyond in acts of kindness, courage, and courtesy while out on the road. For Combs, his commitment to helping others was clear when he intervened to protect a fellow motorist in distress.

A Heroic Display of Awareness on I-81

It was the early hours of April 23 when Combs, who has been a truck driver with ABF Freight based in Fort Smith, Arkansas, found himself traveling northbound along Interstate 81 in Virginia. The stretch between Roanoke and Harrisonburg is often bustling with vehicles, yet Combs’ attentiveness allowed him to notice something unusual.

“I thought it was chains dragging,” Combs recalled after observing sparks flying from a GMC pickup truck just ahead of him. “When I saw it sparking a little too much, I was flashing my lights on and off; I was trying to get him to stop before he passed another truck, and then the sparks got even worse.”

His persistence paid off. The driver of the pickup noticed the signals and began pulling over, just in time for a situation that could have turned disastrous.

Preventing a Catastrophe

Combs’ instincts were spot-on. Moments after the pickup truck began to pull off to the side, it lost its right front wheel.

“I knew something was gonna happen,” Combs said, describing the chaotic scene. “Sparks went everywhere. It went from a few sparks to, when it hit the ground, it was like somebody set a fire underneath it.”

The situation could have escalated further, but fortune favored preparation that day. Combs, a seasoned driver with 16 years of experience, stopped immediately to ensure everyone was safe. Inside the pickup truck were the driver and two passengers—thankfully, none of them were injured.

Realizing the potential fire risk from the sparks, Combs checked the vehicle to confirm it hadn’t ignited. For him, taking action in emergencies is second nature. “I’m always gonna stop,” he emphasized.

Celebrating Heroes of the Highway

Stan Combs’ story is just one example of the incredible acts of service recognized by the TCA’s Highway Angel program. Since its launch in 1997, the program has honored nearly 1,500 professional truck drivers for their extraordinary efforts on the road.

Each honoree exemplifies the values of kindness, responsibility, and vigilance—qualities that are vital in the trucking profession. TCA’s ability to showcase these drivers is made possible thanks to program sponsors like presenting sponsor EpicVue, along with DriverFacts and Northland Insurance.

The Legacy of Being a Highway Angel

For truck drivers like Combs, recognition as a Highway Angel isn’t just about the award—it’s about reflecting the values that define the industry. Stories like his serve as inspiration, reminding us of the humanity behind the wheel of these massive vehicles.

Image Source: ABF Freight
Source: Truckers News

The post TCA Recognizes ABF Truck Driver Stan Combs as Highway Angel appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.