Today, a wrecker truck struck a stalled sedan on southbound U.S. 59 near Chimney Rock Road, according to Houston police. The collision sent the smaller car onto the main lanes, leading to an emergency response that kept several lanes closed while investigators examined the scene and crews cleared the wreckage.
According to KHOU, the wreck happened around 2:15 a.m. when a disabled sedan, stopped in the second-to-left lane, was hit from behind by a wrecker that pushed the sedan a good distance up the freeway. The sedan’s driver was pronounced dead at the scene. Police said the wrecker driver was not hurt and is cooperating with the investigation. No charges have been filed as the Houston Police Department’s Vehicular Crimes Division continues its on-site work.
Investigation and the Move Over law
State transportation officials often cite crashes like this to remind Texans about the Move Over or Slow Down law, which is intended to protect stranded drivers, roadside workers, and tow crews. As per TxDOT, drivers must either change lanes or reduce their speed by 20 miles per hour below the posted limit when passing vehicles stopped with flashing lights.
How to stay safe on the freeway
Traffic safety officials advise that if your vehicle becomes disabled on a busy freeway, you should pull as far off the road as possible, turn on your hazard lights, and call for roadside assistance rather than walking along the main lanes. The investigation into Saturday’s fatal crash is ongoing, and anyone with information is urged to contact Houston police.
-2.webp?w=160&h=400&fit=crop&crop=edges)
.jpg){kind=link}