CHILDRESS COUNTY, Texas — Carlos Alvarez-Cabrera and Freddy Pineda were tragically struck and killed by a semi-truck Nov. 28 while standing outside a pickup truck on U.S. 287.
Alvarez-Cabrera, 25, Pineda, 20, and two other people, were standing outside of the pickup in the northbound shoulder of the highway at about 11:30 a.m. when the tragedy occurred, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety.
A northbound semi-truck reportedly drove onto the shoulder and hit the pickup, killing Houston residents Alvarez-Cabrera and Pineda. The semi-truck traveled into a nearby ditch and rolled over before coming to rest.
The driver of the semi-truck and the two other pedestrians standing near the pickup were not injured.
The crash remains under investigation and no additional information has been released.
Tragic accident takes life of two men, Carlos Alvarez-Cabrera and Freddy Pineda
I was horrified to learn of the awful deaths of Carlos Alvarez-Cabrera and Freddy Pineda. It appears from the news report that several individuals were standing near a pickup on the northbound shoulder of the interstate when a northbound semi traveled onto the shoulder and hit the pickup, killing the two men. These two young men have been snatched from life at a very early age. My deepest condolences go out to their family, friends, and loved ones.
Authorities have not released sufficient information to discern why the semi driver entered the shoulder of the interstate. However, in my experience distracted or fatigued driving are the most common contributors to this type of accident. A thorough investigation must be conducted to determine the factors in play in this tragedy to ensure the culpable party is held accountable.
This is considered a pedestrian accident because the victims were on foot outside the vehicle. Pedestrian fatalities rose significantly during 2020, according to a recent study, even though Covid-19 restrictions reduced total miles driven. This is the largest increase in pedestrian fatalities since the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration began recording statistics in 1975.
With the recent skyrocket in pedestrian fatalities, I’d like to point out things you can do to ensure safety when your vehicle is compromised on the highway.
Pull off the shoulder as far as possible and turn on your hazard lights. Immediately call for help. If you have flares or other emergency notification devices, place them 20-30 yards behind your vehicle. If it is not safe to get out of the vehicle, remain inside with your seatbelt fastened until help arrives. If it is safe to get out of the vehicle, move away from the vehicle but stay with the vehicle until help arrives.
Observing these few, simple precautions will save lives.
Disclaimer: All information contained within this post was compiled from public sources or constitutes the opinion of the author. Please inform us immediately if you identify any false or misleading information.
