Two 20-year-old men trying to fix a flat tire near downtown San Antonio earlier today ended up in the hospital after a pickup plowed into their parked cars, according to police. Both were rushed to a local hospital with injuries that authorities described as non-life-threatening.
WOAI reports the crash happened around 2:30 a.m. near IH-37 and East Cesar Chavez Boulevard, when a pickup allegedly lost control and slammed into two vehicles pulled over on the side of the road. San Antonio police told the station the two men were changing a tire when the truck hit and that a 20-year-old driver was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence.
Where Help Can Arrive Fast
That stretch of highway falls under the Highway Emergency Response Operator, or HERO, program operated by TxDOT. The service provides free patrols and roadside assistance across the greater San Antonio area. HERO crews can help with flat tires, move disabled vehicles out of travel lanes, and respond to non-emergency calls at 210-732-HERO.
Why Roadside Stops Are So Dangerous
Pulling onto the shoulder might feel like the safe option, but it can leave people just feet from high-speed traffic and can lead to secondary crashes in a matter of seconds, according to the Emergency Responder Safety Institute. The Texas Department of Public Safety has increased enforcement of the state’s Move Over or Slow Down law, reminding drivers they are required to either change lanes or reduce speed when approaching vehicles with flashing lights or cars stopped on the shoulder.
Legal Note
Police arrested a 20-year-old driver on suspicion of DUI in connection with the crash, according to WOAI. Under state law, prosecutors can consider upgraded charges such as intoxication assault or intoxication manslaughter if a victim suffers serious injury or dies, as set out in the Texas Penal Code and published by Justia.
