Vehicles abandoned on highways could be towed ahead of Kansas, Missouri storms
Kansas City-area drivers are warned to not leave their cars abandoned on highways or interstates throughout the state. If they do, they could come back to the area with the vehicles gone.
The Kansas Highway Patrol says it will tow abandoned vehicles left on highways and interstates ahead of the major winter storm expected to hit the Kansas City area this weekend.
So did the Missouri State Highway Patrol. And both patrols say the driver will be responsible for getting their car back.
“The towing of vehicles will be at the owner’s expense,” KHP said on social media.
“The vehicle owner will need to follow the towing company’s procedures for release,” Captain Scott White with MSHP said.
Here’s what to know if your car ends up stuck on the roads during the weather event.
Missouri Highway Patrol towing vehicles on highways and interstates
If the vehicles create a hazard such as blocking the travel lane, impeding snow removal operations or restricting emergency response, White said.
“Public safety is our top priority,” White said. “We coordinate the towing of a vehicle to reduce risk to motorists, support traffic flow and snow removal efforts.”
If the vehicle is well off the roadway, highway patrol can mark it with yellow tape to tell other officials that it’s been checked. White said this gives the owner time to make arrangements to have it removed once the weather event passes.
White said if there is no reason for MSHP to hold the vehicle, like if it’s related to a crime, they can contact the towing company or nearest highway patrol headquarters at the non-emergency phone number. The vehicle owner will need to follow the towing company’s procedures for release.
Kansas Highway Patrol towing vehicles on highways and interstates
Effective noon Friday, Jan. 23, KHP troopers and motorist assist technicians will begin the removal of all abandoned vehicles along the shoulders of interstates and highways, according to a social media post.
“Abandoned vehicles inhibits KDOT’s ability to fully clear the roadway of snow and ice,” Kansas Highway Patrol said. “Furthermore, removing abandoned vehicles eliminates the likelihood of it being struck by an out-of-control vehicle.”
They will continue to tow vehicles out of the way until the Kansas Department of Transportation has ended their snow and ice removal operations. Drivers whose vehicles are towed in Kansas can call *47 to speak to locate their car.
