HOUSTON -- A man died Monday night after several vehicles struck him on the side of an east Houston freeway. Now, critics of the Safe Clear program are saying the accident appears to be the first fatal incident connected to the new wrecker plan, Local 2 reported Tuesday.

Video

Tragedy Creates More Controversy Over Towing Plan Driver Dies Crossing Freeway After Van Stalls

Accident investigators said 77-year-old Lawrence Kahng, of northwest Houston, was hit and killed at 7:08 p.m. Monday as he waited for a tow truck to remove his broken-down 1997 Astro Van from the inside shoulder of eastbound Interstate 10 near John Ralston.

Police believe the man had left his van parked in the emergency lane to walk to a gas station on the other side of the freeway to get some fuel.

However, on his way back, Kahng noticed a Safe Clear wrecker parked behind his van.

Houston Police Department Sgt. David Crain said Kahng dropped the tank of gas he was carrying and ran across the westbound lanes of the freeway.

"As he was coming back, apparently, he got back up on the freeway about the same time a Safe Clear wrecker arrived on the scene. And for reasons that we will never know, he darted out into the freeway lanes and was struck by multiple vehicles, killing him instantly," Crain said.

TOWING RULES HPD Answers Questions About Towing Policy Safe Clear Program Motorists' Bill Of Rights AAA Answers Member Questions Agree With Towing Program? Has Safe Clear Helped Relieve Congestion? Are Changes Enough? How Do You Feel About New Wrecker Policy? Safe Clear Article Archive ROAD CONDITIONS Houston TranStar Real-Time Traffic Map Traffic Pulse Real-Time Traffic Map Traffic Section Texas Dept. of Transportation or call (800) 452-9292. Houston Transtar Gas Price Calculator

Investigators doubt they'll be able to determine why Kahng darted across the freeway.

Police originally identified Kahng as a woman Monday night but clarified Tuesday morning that the fatality victim was a man.

Officers investigating the accident said Kahng's death is the type of tragedy the Safe Clear program was designed to prevent.

"We grieve for this family. It is a tragic, tragic accident," Crain said. "People need to stay with their vehicle. We will get help to them within six minutes and we will tow them to a safe location."

One of Kahng's relatives told Local 2 that the family wanted to consult with an attorney before making any public statements. The family member also said there are many aspects of the Safe Clear program about which they want more information.

"It highlights why the council needs to act promptly to make these services free for those people who are over on the median and just want their vehicle to be towed to a safe place," Houston Mayor Bill White said.

The mayor said a full investigation is under way into Kahng's death.

Kahng was a retired schoolteacher from Korea who leaves behind four children.

City Council Ponders Safe Clear Changes

The accident happened the same day Houston's City Council debated the controversial Safe Clear program.

There are 14 different proposals on how to improve the plan, which quickly clears broken-down vehicles from the city's freeways. At least one idea would help drivers whose vehicle breaks down on the freeway avoid the fear of losing their transportation.

"We need to protect the motorists' rights to hold onto their cars, and to allow them the right to keep their cars for their families and for their work," councilwoman Shelly Sekula-Gibbs said.

Sekula-Gibbs entered a motion to end Safe Clear pending further review.

"The citizens are now alarmed and we need to stop this. We now have a culture of desperation on our highways and people are desperate not to lose their cars," she said.

Motorists are no longer allowed to change flat tires on freeway shoulders, leave vehicles to get fuel or call their own help. Towing companies, who have contracts with the city to tow disabled vehicles, charge $75 for the first five miles and a $1.50 for each additional mile. The tow cannot exceed $124.

The mayor wants to change the program to offer free tows up to one mile.

City Council member Pam Holm said changes to the towing plan should not be taken lightly.

"There are so many good proposals, but I still have concern that we aren't ready without causing more questions about it," Holm said.

Also, after revelations that at least 30 tow-truck drivers have criminal histories, state Sen. John Whitmire demanded to see records of the 250 tow-truck operators contracted by the city.

Citizens addressed City Council about the wrecker program Tuesday in Council Chambers.

"It's an unfortunate tragedy, but I think, mostly it's because (he was) trying to save what's (his). He didn't want some wrecker driver towing the car off," an unidentified resident said.

A vote on proposed changes to the Safe Clear plan is expected Wednesday.