FARMINGTON, Utah (ABC 4 News) – A crash kills an Ogden man Tuesday night on I-15; Now the Utah Highway Patrol is warning drivers who become stranded on the freeway to take extra caution.
Wednesday ABC 4 went back to the scene where a stranded driver lost his life on the side of the road.
“The stalled vehicle was pushed over to the fence,” said Corporal Todd Johnson, Utah Highway Patrol.
“Right here?” ABC 4 Reporter Brian Carlson asked.
“Yes,” said Johnson.
ABC 4 is told 52-year-old Enriqui Vealero ran out of gas on I-15 near Lagoon in Davis County and pulled off the side of the freeway. As he was standing next to his car filling up his tank, an online report states, a car driven by 41-year-old Penny Johnson, of Bountiful, veered off the freeway, slammed into Vealero, and killed him. Troopers said it all unfolded in front of the man’s family.
“When he hit, they were watching the whole thing happen,” said Trooper Arik Beesley, Utah Highway Patrol.
Troopers said it’s a tragic reminder of how dangerous the side of the freeway can be.
“So you don’t feel safe on the other side of this barricade?” Carlson asked Cpl. Johnson.
“No, I don’t,” he said.
If you ever run out of gas on the freeway, troopers warn you to get your car over as far as possible.
“If you can get all four tires off the concrete, you’re better off,” said Johnson.
Troopers realize not every stretch of the freeway has an area to pull over, if you get stuck in a spot like this, troopers actually recommend you call 911, and they’ll come out and help make sure you and you’re car are safe.
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Follow Brian Carlson on Twitter: @tv_briancarlson
