MIRAMAR, FLA. (WSVN) - A man died after he was struck by a car on Interstate 75 in Miramar while he was changing a tire, authorities said.
According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the driver pulled over on the northbound lanes of the highway due to tire trouble, Thursday night.
As he was changing the tire on the right shoulder, another vehicle crashed into him, investigators said.
The man succumbed to his injuries.
“This is a very tragic situation and unfortunately we hear about it far too often with people who are struck on the roadside. Every single year, hundreds of people are struck by passing motorists, whether that’s a law enforcement officer on the roadside or a person outside a disabled vehicle,” said Mark Jenkins with American Automobile Association.
In response to a rise in highway driving speeds and distracted driving, Florida legislators passed a “move-over” law in 2002 that attempted to create a buffer zone for drivers to abide by.
Under that law, drivers are required to move over by one lane when approaching disabled vehicles and stopped first responders on the roadway. In the event they can’t move over, drivers have to drop their speed to 20 mph below the posted speed limit.
In Thursday’s incident, FHP officials say the driver attempted to move over but could not do so in time before striking the man near the back driver’s side.
Troopers said a 2-year-old was in the deceased man’s car when the crash occurred, but wasn’t injured. The child was later turned over to the mother.
AAA spokesperson Mark Jenkins said in the event of a flat tire or similar issues on the road, drivers should take precautions to avoid being close to busy roadways.
“If you get a flat tire, the best advice is to get as far away from traffic as possible,” he said.
Experts say the best options could include calling a road ranger or your own roadside service to alert them to the disabled vehicle while you wait outside far from passing motorists. If the car is in a safe location away from moving vehicles, you can also choose to stay inside the vehicle with your seatbelt on while you wait for assistance.
That rings especially true as officials expect highways to be packed for the coming Labor Day weekend.
“Don’t put yourself in harm’s way to where bad things can happen. We know that the interstates will be very busy this weekend, there’ll be a lot of cars out there and you might not have that ability to change lanes, and if you can’t then at least slow down. Drivers should watch out for each other,” said Jenkins.
Authorities have not released the identity of the deceased man as the investigation continues.
No arrest has been made as of Friday afternoon.
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