What to Do If You Break Down on I-15 in Utah

Interstate 15 (I-15) is the primary artery running through Utah, from the Idaho border down to Arizona. In Utah County, areas around Lehi, Orem, and Provo see massive daily traffic volume, and construction zones can make the freeway tight and unforgiving.

If your vehicle starts sputtering, loses power, or suffers a blowout on I-15, the situation can escalate from inconvenient to life-threatening in seconds.

Here is exactly what you should do to ensure your safety and the safety of other drivers.

1. Do Not Panic: Get to the Right Shoulder

The moment you feel your car losing power, blowing a tire, or overheating:

• Turn on your hazard lights immediately. This signals to other drivers that you are experiencing an emergency.
• Do not slam on the brakes. If you've blown a tire, slamming the brakes can cause you to lose control. Instead, take your foot off the gas and let the car decelerate naturally.
• Merge right safely. Use your remaining momentum to merge across lanes to the right shoulder. Always check your blind spots.
• If you cannot reach the right shoulder, the left shoulder or a gore area (the painted triangle at off-ramps) is your next best option. Never stop in an active lane of traffic unless the vehicle completely dies and you have no other choice.

2. Evaluate Your Position

Once stopped, assess how far off the road you are.

• Are you safely out of the traffic lanes? If yes, stay in your vehicle.
• If you are partially in a lane or stuck in the middle of the freeway: Call 911 immediately. Do NOT attempt to exit your vehicle and cross lanes of traffic on foot. Wait for the Highway Patrol to arrive and block traffic for you.

3. Exit the Vehicle Safely (If Necessary)

If you must exit the vehicle (e.g., if the car is on fire or smoking heavily), always exit from the passenger side, away from traffic flow.

• Get as far away from the road as possible, moving behind a guardrail or up an embankment if available.
• Never stand directly in front of or behind your disabled vehicle. If another driver isn't paying attention and hits your car, you could be crushed.

4. Make Your Vehicle Visible

If it is safe to do so without stepping into traffic lanes:

• Pop the hood. This is the universal sign for a disabled vehicle.
• Set up reflective triangles or flares if you have them in your emergency kit, placing them several feet behind your vehicle to warn approaching drivers.

5. Call for Help

Once you are safe, it's time to arrange for rescue.

• Utah Highway Patrol (UHP): If you are in a dangerous spot, call 911 or dispatch. UHP can send a trooper to park behind you with flashing lights to protect your vehicle while you wait for a tow.
• Roadside Assistance: Call your insurance provider, AAA, or a local towing company. Be prepared to give them your exact location. Note the nearest mile marker or off-ramp.

6. Wait Patiently

Do not attempt to fix the car yourself while on the shoulder of I-15. Even changing a tire on the traffic side of the vehicle is incredibly dangerous due to the speed and volume of passing cars. Let a professional tow truck driver handle it.

Keep your doors locked, remain buckled in your seat (if you stayed in the car), and wait for help to arrive.

Need a Reliable Repair Shop After a Breakdown?

Once your car is towed off the freeway, you need a trustworthy mechanic who won't take advantage of your emergency situation. Browse our directory to find verified, licensed mechanics in Utah County who can get you back on the road safely.