The Truckload Carriers Association has named Robert Schuhl, of Stockbridge, Ga., a Highway Angel for rushing to the aid of a UPS driver whose truck had overturned.

Schuhl was driving eastbound on Interstate 22 near Hamilton, Ala., on his way to Atlanta when he witnessed a UPS truck in front of him lose control and tip over on its right side.

“It looked like the driver was making a left turn, but then the truck bounced and rolled over,” Schuhl said.

He quickly pulled over and ran over to the truck. Another motorist had also stopped. He and Schuhl climbed up on top of the overturned truck and the motorist held the door open while Schuhl climbed inside. He first turned off the ignition and then maneuvered to help the driver, who was lying against the passenger door.

“Her head was bleeding and she was dazed,” Schuhl said. “I told her we were there to help her and get her out of the vehicle. However, there was no way she would be able to stand up and get out through the top.”

Schuhl and the other motorist decided their best option was to kick out the mangled windshield.

By this time, another motorist, a nurse, stopped to help, and a police officer arrived simultaneously. They helped move the windshield out of the way and the nurse advised on how to safely move the driver.

“We covered the driver’s face to protect her from the glass and lifted her just outside the vehicle,” Schuhl said. “We didn’t want to move her any further.”

Schuhl has been driving for 33 years. Prior to that he was a Navy Seabee, a member of the U.S. Navy’s Construction Battalion.

Since the program’s inception in August 1997, nearly 1,300 professional truck drivers have been recognized as Highway Angels for the exemplary kindness, courtesy, and courage that they have displayed while on the job.