A man died after being hit by a truck while trying to change a motorist’s tire on the side of the road in Howard County, Maryland State Police said Thursday.
On Thursday, state police announced that a man was killed after being hit by a truck while trying to change a motorist’s tire on the side of the road in Howard County, Maryland.
Muhammad Shehzad, 38, of Ellicott, died in the accident around 11:30 a.m. on eastbound I-70, east of Marriottsville Road.
Maryland State Police said in a news release that Shehzad was an AAA contractor. They think he was changing a Mercedes tire on the right shoulder of the road and was hit by a Chevrolet Colorado while walking back to his AAA road service car.
The Chevy truck was later found about 100 feet off the right-hand side of the road in a wooded area.
Police said Shajad was wearing reflective clothing while working on the roadside. His hazard lights and emergency lights were also on at the time of the accident.
Authorities believe the Chevy truck crossed the white rim line, on the shoulder, and hit both the AAA and Shahzad. Then the truck continued down the highway, over a bridge and over a tree, where it stopped.
The truck driver was taken to the hospital. Police said the charges are awaiting the outcome of the investigation.
“We are saddened to learn of the tragic loss of contracted AAA truck driver, Muhammad Shahzad, who was on the side of the road doing his job changing a member’s tire,” said Richard J. Towner Jr., Roadside Vice President. Help with AAA, in a statement.
“Our thoughts are with his family and others in the towing community who help people every day. We are grateful for Muhammad Shahzad’s service as a first responder. His tragic death highlights the dangers roadside workers face every day. As drivers, we all need the awareness of those who work on the roadside and work to create Safe space for them by moving over the lane – when we can safely – to prevent potential tragedies.”
The cause of the crash is still under investigation.
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