Thanks for the tip. I was debating either calling a tow truck or changing the tire and don't know what got in me to decide to change it. I was never one to do idiotic things even back as a teenager so definitely the stupidest life threatening one.
Almost nobody realizes that VSP/MSP/VDOT/SHA are happy to help motorists. It's just not a resource that gets advertised or talked about. Sometimes people call in, but most assists come from police or CHART/SSP finding disabled cars on their own. I know when I was in driving school they were like "Good luck! Try to avoid dying!" and that was about it, no talk of other resources.
Virginia State Police: dial #77
Maryland State Police: dial *77
(I think MSP is * instead of #, I might be thinking of WVA or PA)
911 is for emergencies, but the 77 lines take you right to dispatch offices to report traffic issues or request non-emergency aid.
Oh, and if you ever run out of gas they'll give you a gallon to get you to a gas station.