ST. LOUIS – The Missouri State Highway Patrol’s investigation continues after a man was struck and killed after changing a tire along the shoulder of westbound Interstate 44 in downtown St. Louis near the Dome at America’s Center.

A spokesperson for the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department said the man had just finished changing the tire on his gray Chevrolet HHR around 7 p.m. Wednesday. A white GMC Terrain was parked behind the victim’s HHR. The victim was standing outside the Terrain when a Volvo tractor trailer struck the man and both parked vehicles.

The semi-truck driver pulled over a couple of miles down the highway and is cooperating with the highway patrol.

Officials at AAA say there are safety measures drivers can take to prevent tragedies like this from happening.

“Pedestrian deaths, somebody not in a vehicle; it’s been on the rise over the last several years,” Nick Chabarri, AAA Missouri spokesman, said. “In Missouri alone, we know pedestrian deaths are up about 90% on our roadways since 2014.”

Experts say the interstate is a dangerous place to fix a flat and drivers should contact a tow company or roadside assistance.

“It’s a reminder for drivers to make sure you are using extra caution when you are out there, especially when you are on a busy interstate and you have to get out of your vehicle,” Chabarri said.

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If you can’t get off the freeway, AAA recommends finding an area that is well-lit and far from moving traffic, or calling 911 for road help.

“As a stranded motorist, first thing, if it’s possible, is look for a safe place to pull over. That might be an exit ramp, that might be getting off the interstate all together,” Chabarri said. “Certainly, err on the side of caution. If you feel unsafe, if cars are whizzing by you on the interstate and you have to get out, that’s when you, maybe, want to call for some assistance.”

On its Highway Safety page , the Missouri Department of Transportation advises motorists not to change a flat tire near a lane of traffic on the interstate, among other tips:

• Pull your vehicle as far onto the right shoulder if possible; if not, get the vehicle as far out of the lanes of traffic as you can.
• Make sure you display your emergency flashers or a distress sign if you have one.
• Be aware of your surroundings and do not step out of the vehicle into a lane of traffic.
• Remain calm and know that assistance is available.
• Do not get out of your vehicle, it is safer to stay inside the vehicle. Stay with your vehicle, MA can not help if you are not with your vehicle when they arrive.
• Do not attempt to change a flat in or near a lane of traffic. It is better to ruin a tire or rim than to risk being struck by another vehicle.
• If you are involved in an accident and your vehicle is drivable, move your vehicle over to the right shoulder out of the lanes of traffic, then call *55 for help. Stay in your vehicle; this will provide the safest situation while you await help and It’s The Law.

Missouri Department of Transportation

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