Box Elder County, UT — February 20, 2025, one person was killed in a truck accident at about 7:45 p.m. on Interstate 84.
Authorities said a man was hit by two semi-trucks as he walked along the highway near mile marker 4. One truck clipped the man with its mirror while swerving to avoid a collision, before the second truck struck the man.
The 48-year-old man, whose name has not been made public at this time, was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash near Snowville.
No other injuries were reported.
Authorities said the man’s car had broken down near where another semi-truck had jackknifed in an earlier crash. He approached a state trooper seeking a ride, but was advised to wait in his car until the accident scene was cleared. The man opted to start walking instead.
The driver-turned-pedestrian was hit by the trucks about two miles east of where his car broke down, according to authorities.
Authorities have not released any additional information about the Box Elder County crash at this time. The accident remains under investigation.
Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman
Crashes like this raise important questions about pedestrian safety on highways, but they also highlight something that doesn’t get enough attention: Just how dangerous it can be when people are stranded on the side of the road.
Most people assume that if their vehicle breaks down, the safest option is to stay inside and wait for help. That’s often true, but it’s not always that simple. In this case, the man had already spoken with a state trooper, who advised him to remain in his car. Instead, he decided to start walking. Without knowing more, it’s impossible to say why he made that choice, but it’s worth considering what options were realistically available to him.
Highway breakdowns put people in a tough spot. If they stay in their vehicle, they risk being hit by a distracted or drowsy driver. If they try to walk somewhere safer, they face the dangers of high-speed traffic, limited visibility and drivers who aren’t expecting to see a pedestrian on the interstate. This crash is a stark reminder that neither choice is truly safe.
As for the truck drivers involved, early reports suggest that at least one tried to avoid hitting the man but still clipped him with a mirror. That raises the question: Was there anything they could have done differently? Truckers are trained to scan for potential hazards, but spotting a pedestrian on the highway at night is incredibly difficult, especially if they aren’t wearing reflective clothing. This is where in-cab cameras, dashcams and black box data can be valuable tools in an investigation. If investigators take the time to review that evidence, it could clarify what the truck drivers saw and whether their reactions were reasonable under the circumstances.
At the end of the day, situations like this don’t have easy answers. But one thing is clear: A highway is no place for a pedestrian. Whether it’s better public awareness, improved emergency response procedures or better-designed breakdown areas, this crash is a reminder that the community needs to do more to keep stranded motorists safe.
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