Mother Nature has hit the deep freeze button again, and that means getting stuck in a snowstorm is not such a wild improbability for some of us. If you can't stay off the roads and happen to find yourself immobile once you get on them, PEMCO Insurance has a brief guide for what do if you absolutely must abandon your car. Perhaps the most important advice is to always carry some emergency winter clothes and supplies with you, like flares and blankets, which could come in handy even if you don't get permanently stuck. You'll especially want to make the car as visible as possible so that others can avoid hitting it. You can read the full guide after the jump, and be careful out there this holiday season.
[Source: PEMCO]
PRESS RELEASE
Washington Drivers: The Right Way to Abandon Your Car in a Snow Storm
PEMCO Insurance offers tips on what to do when you must leave your car
SEATTLE, Dec. 17 /PRNewswire/ -- As Washington braces for another possible snowstorm tonight and through the weekend, some drivers will take the risky step of abandoning their vehicles, unable to maneuver through the ice and snow.
According to PEMCO Insurance, one of Washington's largest auto insurers, drivers should know there's a right way -- and a wrong way -- to abandon a vehicle when weather conditions dictate.
Jon Osterberg, PEMCO spokesperson, recommends that people inexperienced at driving in snow and ice avoid the problem by staying off the roads during winter storms. "Drivers should decide whether they need to be on the road in the first place. But we recognize there are times when the weather turns quickly and circumstances demand that you must drive."
When a driver becomes stranded on the road, PEMCO suggests staying with the car if you safely can. "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," 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.
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.
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.
[Source: PEMCO]
PRESS RELEASE
Washington Drivers: The Right Way to Abandon Your Car in a Snow Storm
PEMCO Insurance offers tips on what to do when you must leave your car
SEATTLE, Dec. 17 /PRNewswire/ -- As Washington braces for another possible snowstorm tonight and through the weekend, some drivers will take the risky step of abandoning their vehicles, unable to maneuver through the ice and snow.
According to PEMCO Insurance, one of Washington's largest auto insurers, drivers should know there's a right way -- and a wrong way -- to abandon a vehicle when weather conditions dictate.
Jon Osterberg, PEMCO spokesperson, recommends that people inexperienced at driving in snow and ice avoid the problem by staying off the roads during winter storms. "Drivers should decide whether they need to be on the road in the first place. But we recognize there are times when the weather turns quickly and circumstances demand that you must drive."
When a driver becomes stranded on the road, PEMCO suggests staying with the car if you safely can. "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," 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.
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.
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.
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