Police: Don't leave vehicle to help other drivers

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE)  Medics took a man to the hospital in critical condition Sunday night after an unusual accident on I-69.  Police said he had stopped to help the victim of another accident, got out of his car to direct traffic, and was hit.  Although police say it's common to see good Samaritans stop and help other drivers who need it, officers encourage drivers to stay in their vehicles and call for assistance to stay safe on busy roads.

The accident happened around 7:30 p.m. Sunday night in the northbound lanes near the Illinois Road exit.  It caused lane restrictions on the interstate for about three hours.

Fort Wayne police say an SUV initially lost control, hit a median and came to a stop blocking two lanes of traffic. No one was hurt in that vehicle.

A man from another vehicle stopped to help, started to direct traffic, and was hit by a passing minivan. 

John Chambers, patrolman with the Fort Wayne Police Department, gave his advice should drivers come across a similar scene.

“Stay in your vehicle, keep your hazard lights on and just notify a tow truck or authorities who can come,” Chambers said.  “If officers arrive on the scene, then we can sit behind you with our emergency lights on and possibly notify and get a tow truck to come out.”

At last check the man hit on I-69 was sent to the hospital in critical condition.

Police say the driver of the minivan did not see the man directing traffic.  Weather conditions were dark and road conditions were very slick Monday night.

On Monday, police had no new information about the crash or the victim.  Investigators do not think alcohol was a factor in the accident.