When you leave your vehicle unattended you must

First car experiences are always interesting since you get to make mistakes as you learn. However, when you encounter your first car breakdown, it can quickly get complicated and messy. Picture yourself in a scenario where your car breaks down, you're in a hurry to get to your destination, and it's getting late. What do you do? Move Your Car to Safety Start by moving your car to a safe location. If your car breaks down on a busy highway, it will block traffic. You'll have to deal with angry drivers who are annoyed by your "highway parking." If possible, try to steer your car to an area where it doesn't obstruct traffic. Don't forget to turn on your hazard lights. If you can't steer it to the side, turn on your hazard lights for better visibility. Also, you can set up reflective triangles or flares behind your vehicle as a perimeter. Once you're done with car safety, focus on your safety. Get back to your car, lock the doors and try to remain calm. Don't stand in front, behind, or at the side of your car. Assess the Situation Suppose you have dealt with car issues before; this would be the time to diagnose the problem. Unfortunately, this is your first car breakdown so your only option is to figure out who to call. Is it your insurance company or a tow truck company? Check if your insurance offers roadside assistance. If it's not available, your next step is to find a towing company. If you're traveling as a group with your friends, it isn't wise to use their cars as an alternative to a tow truck. The idea sounds reasonable, but it doesn't account for potential damage, towing capacity, and driving skills. Professional towing companies have the tools and experience to tow your vehicle safely. The extensive experience you get when hiring a tow company ensures your vehicle arrives at the repair shop safely. Also, tow truck drivers know how to navigate corners and busy streets without damaging your car. Call a Towing Company Since DIY towing isn't an option, call a professional towing company. However, before you pick up your phone, gather enough details about your situation. The towing company will need to know your location, type of car, the presence of obstructions if any, and the cause of the car's breakdown. Towing companies need as much detail of your situation as possible to help them figure out the best response. Prepare for Towing If you're close to the city, it shouldn't take long before the towing company arrives. Before that happens, decide if you want to ride with the tow truck driver and the final destination. Do you have a preferred repair shop, or will the towing company take your car home? If you have passengers in your vehicle, make arrangements to deliver them to their destinations. You can hail a cab as you wait for the towing company. Call your mechanic and ask if they're available to work on your car. Tow Your Car With everything set, wait for the towing company to arrive. Once there, verify their identification and provide any documents they might need. They'll require you to sign a few documents, such as the release of liability form. However, just to be sure, confirm that you understand what you're signing. After you sign, you can choose to help or allow them to load your vehicle without your assistance. The driver will tow your car to your preferred destination for repair. It's that simple when you work with a professional towing company such as AA Wrecker Service. We're a 24- hour towing company headquartered in Haltom City, TX, and have been in operation since 1955. We specialize in all types of towing, and we're here to help when you need us. Contact us today, and we'll help solve your car predicament.

(1) No person driving or in charge of a motor vehicle shall permit it to stand unattended without first stopping the engine, locking the ignition, removing the key and effectively setting the brake thereon and, when standing upon any perceptible grade, turning the front wheels to the curb or side of the highway.

(2) The most recent driver of a motor vehicle which the driver has left standing unattended, who learns that the vehicle has become set in motion and has struck another vehicle or property, or has caused injury to any person, shall comply with the requirements of:

(a) RCW 46.52.010 if his or her vehicle strikes an unattended vehicle or property adjacent to a public highway; or

(b) RCW 46.52.020 if his or her vehicle causes damage to an attended vehicle or other property or injury to any person.

(3) Any person failing to comply with subsection (2)(b) of this section shall be subject to the sanctions set forth in RCW 46.52.020.

ExplanationIn general, you should always use the parking brake when parking your vehicle. However, you should not apply the parking brake if your brakes are very hot or if your brakes are wet and temperatures are below freezing.

We publish a variety of news stories and press releases to keep you informed about Red Cross activities, from the ways we deliver on our mission, to the impact of our work on everyday lives. Read the latest!

Should you apply your parking brake every time you leave your vehicle unattended?

Is it illegal to leave your car running unattended in Washington state?

Can you leave your car running with no one in it?

When exiting a vehicle it is important to maintain with your vehicle at all times?