I got a flat about three years ago on one of canadas busiest highways. The Gardner express in downtown Toronto. Happened at about midnight. My spare never lowered. I drove on the flat until I got of the high way. Yes I destroyed the tire destroyed the sidewalk. But at that point I couldn't care less. Now my spare rides n the trunk as well. Cut that darn cable everyone, don't ever live the situation.
This happened to me last month, i kept cranking and cranking and it would only lower half way. I had my two year old with me so i luckily it happened by an exit that happened to have two tire places about three miles down the road. Then when the guys cut the spare off it had no air in it to boot.