Death of senior changing tire on Deerfoot Trail inches traffic death toll closer to record

The death of a man struck by a vehicle while believed to be changing a flat tire on Deerfoot Trail has the death toll on city streets inching closer to a record set last year.

Just after 1 p.m. on Tuesday, the man had pulled over in the northbound right shoulder between Peigan Trail and 17th Avenue S.E. to possibly replace a flat tire when he was struck by another truck pulling a trailer.

The 70-year-old man was pronounced dead at the scene.

Police say it appears the truck with the trailer had crossed over two lanes in preparing to exit Deerfoot Trail at the 17th Avenue off-ramp when the collision occurred.

The driver of that vehicle remained on the scene and co-operated with officers, say police.

It’s the 31st traffic fatality of the year, seven shy of equalling the record figure of 38 in 2025, which means the city could be on track to surpass that dubious milestone, say police.

While no charges are pending in the wake of the collision, motorists should be cautious when approaching a vehicle stopped on the shoulder, said Staff Sgt. Andy Woodward of the CPS traffic section.

“We’re asking members of the public to slow down, if they can, make sure they come through another lane . . . especially if you see a broken down vehicle, give them a wide berth,” he said.

Motorists who experience mechanical issues on busy roads should also call agencies such as AMA for help, or even police whose presence could enhance safety, said the officer.

Woodward also voiced frustration over Calgarians’ driving habits that he said are too often unsafe.

“I’ve stood up here many times (to say) certainly people need to take responsibility for their driving, the roads are getting busier, but people feel they can drive how they want,” he said.

“And, unfortunately, when we have these situations happen, we’d like to think people will sit up and take note,” said Woodward.

Last year, the city also set a record for pedestrian deaths with 15, while there have been seven fatalities this year in that category, said Woodward.

City councillors say their recent decision to install so-called head start pedestrian lights at more than 60 intersections over the next two years should improve safety.

The leading pedestrian intervals will provide walk signals three to seven seconds before parallel or turning vehicle traffic gets a green light, providing pedestrians more time for visibility, they say.

Woodward said the move should enhance pedestrian safety, and welcomes another tool to achieve that.

“Any sort of device that can stop serious injury or fatal road collisions for pedestrians, then I think the city should be looking at those and trying them out,” he said.

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