Imagine you're driving down the current crosstown, potholes and all, when suddenly your tires blow out after hitting one of the ruts in the middle of the decaying interstate. Where are you going to replace the old tire with a spare? For most of the crosstown, which is to be swapped thankfully, there are no shoulders on which to do simple and safe immediate repairs to get your vehicle back on the road and out of danger. You're out in the middle of a driving lane, with vehicles approaching at 65+ mph.

Even if you decide to just call a wrecker, your vehicle is still a sitting duck. Imagine the people driving 65+ mph, with every lane being relatively occupied. The first vehicle coming may not be able to brake in time. Okay, suppose the first driver manages to swerve just in time to avoid a catastrophic collision. What about the vehicle behind the first, which is likely following too closely and has no idea of what's ahead of the first? Even if one vehicle doesn't slam into your vehicle, another eventually will.

This is just another perspective on why we badly need the new I-40 crosstown, for those of you who want to stall the completion as much as possible. It's not just for the new developments; it's for our safety.





The current I-40 layout is ripe for disaster and we see it nearly everyday. By the way, if your vehicle does break down for some reason, here are some things you can do to ensure your safety:

If you can continue driving, like driving on a flattened tire or rim, do so until you're in a location where you can safely perform repairs. It's much better to tear up your vehicle than parking in the middle of a busy lane, which will ultimately lead to its destruction anyway.

If your vehicle is in the middle of a lane with vehicles approaching, try to get out of the vehicle safely and head towards the sidewalk/walkway or whatever that little area on the side is. Before doing this, you should safely grab any flares you might have, so you can give as much warning as possible to other drivers on the road. Once you're out and away from the sitting duck, move away from the vehicle going in the direction of the vehicles rear (towards oncoming traffic). If you move towards the front (with oncoming traffic) you can still be struck by a vehicle that could slam into yours. If you don't have any flares, you can walk in the direction of the approaching traffic and signal to the drivers so as to give warning.
Note: You don't have to get out, but remember it as an option. Different people will have different circumstances. Use common sense and sound judgement.

Call OHP immediately and give them your information. The patrolman should come and at least light up the area well enough to warn oncoming drivers of the immediate danger.

Call a wrecker. Don't attempt to make repairs in the middle of the lane.

If you've had a wreck, use common sense based on where you are. If I had a wreck and was sitting in the middle of the lane, I would most likely move away from the vehicle as quickly as possible. At least I stand a fighting chance if I'm mobile and not in the lane.

Stay safe.