Many Washingtonians are seeing more snow than they would like. Still, officials are asking drivers to fight the urge to abandon their vehicles when a snowstorm hits.
According to the Washington State Patrol, abandoning your vehicle in a snowstorm is illegal. After all, cars left in the middle of the road become a hazard to others. They also become an issue for snow plows, which become unable to clear the path if cars are parked along the way.
Officials are warning Washingtonians in areas getting more snow the coming weeks that if you abandon your car, they will have to impound it. And if you leave your car on a state roadway, officials will issue a parking violation.
In order to avoid future headaches, once a snowstorm hits and you are unable to continue driving, contact state patrol in order to make the necessary arrangements. Officials should be able to remove your car in no time.
In order to avoid getting a ticket and making roads more hazardous when it snows, officials urge drivers to take preventive measures.
First and foremost, check the weather forecast before hitting the road. Heed to warnings coming from Washington State Patrol officials, and consider delaying your drive if it’s snowing heavily outside.
Secondly, if you’re driving and the snow begins to fall, remember to increase your following distance and to avoid sudden braking. In order to stop the vehicle, take your foot off gas and then shift to neutral. That will take power away from your drive wheels, allowing you to brake slowly.
When faced with heavy snow, braking abruptly is the last thing you want to do. After all, it may cause you to skid or lose control of your vehicle. This increases the risk of an accident.
Don’t Be A Hazard By Following The Rules Even In A Snowstorm
As Washington State officials explained, abandoning your vehicle because of a snowstorm is illegal. But beyond that, it is also dangerous.
Cars left scattered on the road are hazardous because they cause backups and delay rescue and snow plow crews. In addition, your car will be impounded and you may have to pay hefty fines for leaving it behind.
