The Auto Writer

Ready for the big drive this winter? Motorists who plan on being on the road during the heart of winter's fury should consider what they'll do in the event that their cars get stuck due to impassable roads.

This winter will be especially challenging for some drivers, particularly those who are faced with making long trips in bad weather. Snow, ice, wind, rain, sleet, road salt and other forces can conspire to make driving a tough chore even for the winter savvy driver.

To that end PEMCO Insurance, a Seattle based car insurance company serving the state of Washington, has issued recommendations to drivers on how to properly abandon their cars when road conditions warrant it.

To that end, PEMCO recommends the following tips for drivers who must abandon their vehicle:

Try to get as far off the traveled roadway as you safely can.

Turn on your flashers, and leave them on.  A dead battery is better than causing an accident for which you could be held responsible.

Set out flares to warn other drivers, if you can safely do so.

Make a reasoned judgment about whether to remain with the vehicle and call for help, or to strike out on your own.  Some factors to consider are your health, clothing for the weather, distance to the nearest help, and likelihood of your vehicle being hit while you’re inside it.

Leave a note in the window with your contact information.  That improves your chance of hearing from someone who hits your vehicle, or from the authorities.

Take your most valuable items with you.

Be sure to remove personal information that could allow a thief to locate your home and loved ones, steal your identity, or otherwise defraud you.

Secure the vehicle by setting the emergency brake and locking the doors.  Professional towing companies know how to safely tow your vehicle.

You can prevent having to abandon a vehicle by monitoring the weather before a storm hits. But if you’re unavoidably caught in a snowstorm, be prepared. Proper snow tires and/or chains will help you maneuver through snow and ice.  Keep emergency winter clothes and supplies in your vehicle to buy you time and protection.

If at all possible, PEMCO recommends that drivers stay with their cars. “If there’s a chance a tow truck or other help is coming, stay with your vehicle. Leaving it in the roadway presents many risks,” PEMCO spokesperson Jon Osterberg said. For example, if drivers leave their vehicle on a route that’s usually kept open for emergency traffic, it can be towed, especially if it presents a danger to other drivers. “Towing charges can be steep, and abandoned-car towing fees typically aren’t covered by insurance,” he said.

Finally, abandoned cars also run a higher risk of being involved in hit-and-run collisions in snowy weather. Heavy snowfall can obscure a car or place it where others are likely to slide into it. According to Osterberg, hit-and-run damage typically subjects drivers to a higher deductible when the car is repaired.

Source: PEMCO Insurance

Photo Credit: Michael Hornak