SALT LAKE CITY — A driver who had left their car to fix a flat tire while partially blocking traffic was struck and killed Thursday on State Road 201 in Salt Lake City.
The driver who died was later identified as 42-year-old Tiffany Smith from Murray.
The Utah Highway Patrol said the driver, Smith, was heading east near Bangerter Highway when she stopped on the left side of the freeway, partially blocking traffic in the left lane. As she was out of the car, another vehicle struck her.
According to the UHP, Smith, who was the only person in their car, died at the scene.
UHP officials urged drivers to be safe with issues like flat tires and get off the road instead of stopping on a busy highway.
"The freeway systems are extremely dangerous," said Lt. Ben Fallows. "We always encourage people to drive off, take the next exit and get off the freeway."
Fallows added that if it's not possible to get a vehicle off the highway, to stay inside and call for help.
Eastbound traffic on SR-201 was closed for about two hours before it was reopened just before 2 p.m.
