Utah Highway Patrol warns about changing a flat tire on freeways
Apr 5, 2024, 5:00 AM
A person was killed while changing a tire in American Fork on I-15 on April, 4 2024. (UDOT)
(UDOT)
SALT LAKE CITY — Thursday morning, a person was trying to change a flat tire on I-15 in American Fork when they were struck by a car and later died.
How would you handle this type of situation? The Utah Highway Patrol has some pointers.
All lanes of NB 15 remain CLOSED at Pioneer Crossing in American Fork. Traffic is stooped and backing toward the Pleasant Grove exit. pic.twitter.com/RIvP6j4Tog
— Heather Kelly (@KSLHeatherKelly) April 4, 2024
“I would not try to save that tire. I would not try to save that rim, and I would just drive off that exit,” said Utah Highway Patrol Sgt. Andrew Battenfield.
If you can’t get off the freeway, Battenfield recommends finding an area that is well-lit and as far from the moving traffic as possible.
Choose an area to stop that has a wide shoulder. And of course, turn on your hazard lights.
Battenfield says to call 911 for road help. You can also call the Utah Highway Patrol to help change the tire so you don’t have to exit your vehicle.
Flat tire help
The Utah Department of Transportation’s Incident Management Team has been helping drivers since 1992 and has everything needed to change a tire and more. The IMT has 25 trucks from the Wasatch Front to St. George.
The IMT works with 911 dispatchers to help those in need. They have multiple services, including minor vehicle repair, towing, fueling, and tire changing.
If you experience a blowout, you can refer to this fact sheet from the Utah Safety Council.
