New York trucker named Goodyear Highway Hero

AKRON—A New York state trucker, whose quick action helped shorten a tense standoff, is the grand prize winner in the annual Goodyear Highway Hero program, which recognizes commercial drivers who go above and beyond their regular duties to keep highways safe across the U.S. and Canada.

In June 2023, Timothy VanNostrand, owner and operator of his own logging transport company in Northville, N.Y., helped tamp down a dangerous incident on a New York highway. During a traffic stop, a state trooper became involved in a shootout that lasted 12 minutes.

VanNostrand used his logging truck to block the suspect's escape. The suspect fled into the woods as police pursued him. Thanks to VanNostrand's response, the impact was contained, sparing motorists and pedestrians.

"I'm just grateful to have been in the right place at the right time and place to prevent the situation from being much, much worse, as my seemingly normal Friday route turned into something that you only see on television," VanNostrand, a member of the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA), said.

Elijah Ramos, a driver for Ryder System, Inc., was runner-up.

In September 2023, Rojas was on his morning route in Victorville, Calif. As he drove through a remote desert area, he saw an SUV lose control, cross multiple lanes of traffic and crash into a field. Ramos immediately contacted his dispatcher and he stayed with the injured young woman until help arrived.

"Since it was such a remote area, it could have been a long time until help arrived," Ramos said. "I was glad to be there when it happened and to call for help quickly."

He returned to work after, resuming his route.

VanNostrand and Ramos were among a group of finalists who were reviewed by a panel of independent industry judges. The winners will receive prizes from Goodyear in recognition of their heroic actions.

The Goodyear Highway Hero program is in its 40th year.

Two other finalists were recognized as runners-up and also will receive Goodyear prizes. They are:

• Joshua Day, an ABF Freight driver from Potsdam, Ohio, who witnessed a motorist's truck and camper spin out of control, flip and land on the side of a busy road. Day pulled over, assisted the injured driver and ensured their safety by moving them away from a hazardous propane leak until first responders arrived.
• Russel Peasley, a Brakebush Transportation driver from Necedah, Wis., witnessed a car veer off a busy interstate, flip and land in a field. He joined other drivers to lift the car and rescue the trapped driver. After freeing her, Peasley stayed with the victim, providing comfort until emergency medical services arrived.

Goodyear said its Highway Hero Award is one way the tire maker recognize the importance of the commercial trucking industry. As prize recipients, VanNostrand, Ramos, Day and Peasley join a group of past honorees celebrating professional drivers who act selflessly for the good of others on the highways throughout the U.S. and Canada.