Never try to cross a major highway on foot.
Pedestrian Dead After Being Struck by Vehicle While Crossing I-10
According to a News4SanAntonio report, a man was killed after leaving his crashed vehicle and attempting to cross I-10 on foot.
Police said the accident happened around 4:25 p.m. Wednesday, November 6th, in the 3400 block of I-10 West near East Houston Street. A silver Audi sedan had been involved in a single-vehicle crash after swerving off the highway and stopping on the grassy shoulder.
The driver, for reasons still unknown, exited the vehicle and tried to cross from the south to the north side of the interstate. He was struck by a passing Ford Edge SUV, thrown into the air, and came to rest on the far side of the roadway. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
The Ford driver remained at the scene and cooperated fully with investigators. No charges are expected to be filed.
Did You Know?
2,445 crashes statewide last year were caused by pedestrians failing to yield the right of way to a vehicle, according to TxDOT data.
When Should You Leave Your Vehicle After a Crash?
Your first instinct after an accident might be to get out and inspect the damage or try to get away from traffic. But on highways like I-10, that decision can be deadly. The tragic crash on San Antonio’s East Side shows how dangerous it can be to exit your vehicle in active traffic.
When It’s Safer to Stay Inside
If your car is still operable and you can pull over safely to the shoulder or an exit ramp:
-
Turn on hazard lights immediately.
-
Call 911 and remain buckled inside your vehicle until help arrives.
-
Avoid standing behind or beside your car, where you’re most exposed.
Remaining inside your vehicle — with your seatbelt fastened — often offers the best protection from oncoming traffic.
When You Might Need to Get Out
There are limited situations where exiting your vehicle is necessary:
-
If your car catches fire or begins to smoke, exit immediately and move far away, ideally behind a guardrail.
-
If your vehicle stops in a blind curve or hillcrest, where oncoming drivers can’t see you.
-
If you can safely reach a median barrier or embankment without crossing active lanes.
Even then, always check your surroundings carefully — and never attempt to cross a major highway on foot.
What Texas Law Says About Pedestrians on Highways
Under Texas Transportation Code §552.006, pedestrians are not allowed to walk along or cross a controlled-access highway (such as an interstate) unless there’s an emergency and no safer option is available.
The law is designed to prevent exactly the kind of tragedy that occurred on I-10 — vehicles traveling at high speeds cannot stop or swerve in time to avoid a person on the roadway.
If your car becomes disabled, it’s always safer to:
-
Move it completely off the highway if possible, and
-
Wait behind a barrier or inside the vehicle for emergency help.
Crossing the lanes, even briefly, puts you in extreme danger and may also be considered a violation of state law.
What to Do If You’re Stranded in Traffic
If your vehicle is disabled in the roadway:
-
Keep your seatbelt on and hazard lights flashing.
-
Call 911 with your exact location.
-
Stay calm and visible — raise your hood if it’s safe to do so.
-
Wait for emergency responders to stop traffic and guide you to safety.
Let trained professionals handle traffic control. Stepping into fast-moving lanes can turn a minor accident into a fatal one.
Injured in a Disabled Vehicle Accident? Call Shaw.
If you or a loved one has been injured after a roadside accident or disabled-vehicle collision, you may be entitled to compensation for:
-
Emergency Treatment
-
Medical Bills
-
Lost Wages
-
Pain and Suffering
-
Property Damage
-
Wrongful Death
-
And More
We can help you find out for free.
Call Shaw at 800-862-1260 today or use the live chat to schedule your free case evaluation with one of our expert San Antonio personal injury attorneys.
No fees. No obligations. Just expert legal advice when you need it most.
Carabin Shaw has been a trusted name in San Antonio and across Texas for over 32 years because we put our clients first.
We look forward to serving you.
²TxDOT Crash Contributing Factors 2024