After a car accident this weekend killed a 17-year-old man, the Corpus Christi Police Department is offering tips about how to keep you and your family safe if your car stalls out on a busy roadway.
Senior Officer Travis Pace said planning ahead is key.
“You need to opt for safety first and develop a plan. That means to turn your hazard lights on, get away from the vehicle, get on the shoulder, and just get out of the way,” Pace said.
He has firsthand experience with this common roadway danger. In April 2016, Pace was hit and pinned between two vehicles after he pulled over to help the driver of a stalled car.
Pace stressed the importance of asking for help if it is available nearby.
“Have a lookout,” Pace said. “I always kinda go back to when I got hit, and if I didn’t have a lookout I probably wouldn’t be here talking to you.”
He added it’s safer to pay for professional help than trying to handle the situation yourself.
“Call a wrecker,” Pace said. “It’s easier to pay the wrecker fee than it is to replace the vehicle and ultimately a human life.”
The Corpus Christi Police Department will also send an officer to direct traffic until your car is safely off the roadway. Call 911 in this situation.
