If you get caught on the side of the road during a snowstorm, should you abandon your car? The Washington State Patrol says no.
“The vehicles become a hazard to other drivers first of all, and secondly, they hinder the snowplows from clearing the road,” said Washington State Patrol Trooper Rick Johnson, who covers King County.
During snowstorms, dozens of crashes and stalled cars often litter major roadways causing backups and delays.
Johnson said it is illegal to abandon your vehicle when the snow hits, and state patrol will impound your car if you leave it.
Your best bet is to call state patrol and make arrangements to have the car removed.
However, an even better defense against abandoning your car in the snow is to increase your confidence in driving in winter weather. Some basic tips include slowing down, increasing your following distance, and avoiding sudden braking.
If you can tell you are going to need to stop, take your foot off the gas and shift to neutral to take power away from your drive wheels. Then brake slowly and gently.