A multi-piece safety wheel includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced, interlocking bosses and tabs on the inner rim portion and outer rim portion. In the event of improper disassembly of the wheel with an inflated tire mounted thereon, any failure of the wheel assembly fasteners will result in the outer rim portion separating from the inner rim portion a sufficient distance to vent air pressure from within the tire, at which point the interlocking bosses and tabs resist further movement of the outer rim portion. The outer rim portion is thereby resisted from becoming a potentially dangerous projectile. A method of safely deflating the tire upon improper disassembly of the multi-piece safety wheel is also provided.