Lack of shoulder, distracted drivers, can make urban roads dangerous

The call came in to Absolute Towing around 8:45 on a recent spring morning, notable only for its persistent drizzle. Flat tire. Two people. “I-94 and Manning-ish” — a reference to the exurban Washington County crossroad.

This service call was a relatively safe one for Tim Heldman, who owns the Oakdale towing firm. The occupants of the disabled Ford Fusion had carefully steered the sedan off the busy highway and onto an expansive shoulder, where it was hoisted onto his tow truck without incident.

http://www.startribune.com/lack-of-shoulder-distracted-drivers-can-make-urban-roads-dangerous/375204901/