The First 60 Seconds Matter Most
When you feel the car lose power, hear an alarming sound, or see a warning light that screams "pull over now," your first instinct might be to panic. Don't. The next 60 seconds of calm, deliberate action will determine whether this is a stressful inconvenience or something much worse.
Step 1: Get Off the Travel Lane Immediately
The moment you sense something is wrong, start moving toward the right shoulder. Signal — even if you're not sure anyone is watching — and ease to the right as smoothly as possible. If your vehicle still has any power, use it to get as far right as possible. The further you can get from live traffic lanes, the safer you'll be.
On Utah interstates (I-15, I-80, I-215, I-84): All these highways have paved emergency shoulders. Aim for the shoulder and then keep going as far forward as the shoulder allows. The extra distance between your stopped car and the nearest travel lane is the most valuable thing you can have.
If you have absolutely no power and can't reach the shoulder, stay in your lane only as long as necessary while you navigate to the right. Do not abandon the vehicle in a travel lane — signal and use whatever momentum you have.
Step 2: Turn On Your Hazard Lights Immediately
The moment you start pulling over — or even suspect you might need to — activate your hazard lights. This is a non-negotiable, split-second action. Other drivers need maximum warning time, especially at highway speeds. Leave the hazards on throughout the entire ordeal, day or night.
Step 3: Get Everyone Out — and Away — From the Vehicle
Once stopped, this step surprises people: get out of the car and move away from traffic. Move to the far side of any guardrail if one is present, or at minimum to the far edge of the shoulder, away from the vehicle.
This feels counterintuitive — the car seems like shelter. But a stopped vehicle on the shoulder is routinely struck by distracted or impaired drivers. Being inside the car during such an impact is far more dangerous than standing 20 feet up the embankment.
Exception: If the weather is extreme (blizzard, lightning, severe heat), or if the shoulder is too narrow to safely stand outside, it may be safer to remain in the car with seatbelts fastened. Use your judgment.
Step 4: Make Your Vehicle Visible
Hazard lights are step one. If you have additional visibility tools, use them:
- Reflective triangles: Place them 100 feet and 200 feet behind your vehicle if it's safe to do so. Never walk into a travel lane to place them.
- Flares: Useful in low-visibility conditions, but avoid near fuel leaks.
- Phone flashlight: Stand away from the vehicle and use your phone flashlight to wave at approaching drivers if you're in a dangerous position.
Step 5: Know Your Location
When you call for a tow, the dispatcher needs to find you. On Utah highways, two things tell them exactly where you are:
- Milepost markers: Small green signs every mile showing the highway number and your exact mile position. "I-15 northbound, milepost 297" is extremely precise.
- Landmarks and exit numbers: "Just past the 4500 South exit" or "about a mile before the Point of the Mountain" gives dispatchers a clear picture.
Your phone's GPS coordinates also work — simply read them off the map app to the dispatcher.
Step 6: Call for Help
Utah Highway Patrol: Dial *11 on your mobile phone to reach UHP dispatch. They can send a trooper to assist and alert tow operators through their dispatch network. They will not charge you for this call.
UDOT Traffic Operations: Call 511 for road condition information and to report hazards.
Your own tow company: If you'd rather call directly, use our National Tow Connect directory to find a company near your current location. Many operators serve the full stretch of I-15 through the Salt Lake Valley and can reach most breakdown spots within 30–45 minutes.
When you call, have ready: your location (milepost or cross street), vehicle make/model/color, nature of the problem (flat tire, engine failure, accident), and where you want the vehicle delivered.
Step 7: Wait Safely
While you wait, stay alert and positioned safely:
- Remain behind the guardrail if possible
- Keep your phone charged — plug it into the car if it's safe to do so while staying outside
- Don't stand behind the vehicle; stand ahead of it or to the side
- Stay visible — wear bright clothing or wave to approaching vehicles if your car is hard to see
- Lock valuable items in the car before stepping out
Special Situations on Utah Highways
Parley's Canyon (I-80 East)
The grade and curves on Parley's Canyon make breakdowns particularly dangerous. If you break down on the ascent or descent, try to reach one of the chain-up areas or wider shoulder pullouts. The canyon has limited cell signal in some stretches — if you lose signal, continue trying as conditions change rapidly.
Point of the Mountain (I-15 Near Draper/Lehi)
High winds and heavy traffic near the Point are a hazardous combination. If you break down here, getting as far off the roadway as possible is critical. UHP is frequently present in this corridor.
Winter Conditions
A highway breakdown in a Utah snowstorm adds layers of complexity. Keep a winter kit in your car: blanket, warm layers, water, snacks, and a small shovel. If you're stranded in blizzard conditions, stay with the vehicle (for warmth), run the engine periodically to stay warm but crack a window to prevent CO buildup, and ensure your tailpipe remains clear of snow.
What to Tell the Tow Operator
When help is on the way, gather this information to make the handoff efficient:
- Your exact location (milepost, direction, and nearest city)
- Vehicle year, make, model, and color
- AWD/4WD status (determines whether a flatbed is required)
- Nature of the problem if known
- Whether the car will roll (can it be wheel-lifted, or is it stuck?)
- Destination address for the vehicle
After the Tow
Once your vehicle is at the shop, your immediate safety crisis is over. Save the tow receipt for insurance purposes. Most roadside assistance policies and comprehensive auto insurance covers highway towing — check your policy before paying out of pocket. If you're a member of AAA, call them before calling a private tow company, as they may dispatch at no cost within your membership limits.
Towing companies on National Tow Connect are vetted local operators who handle highway breakdowns daily. Find one near you now.