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Abandoned cars, traffic calls increasing as wintry mix returns

Posted at 4:27 PM, Feb 13, 2014
and last updated 2014-02-13 16:27:43-05

HANOVER, Va. (WTVR)–A SUV that briefly snarled traffic on Interstate 95 at mile marker 89 in the County of Hanover was abandoned by the owner.

The responding State Trooper said that the driver was gone when they arrived, and that frequently happens. The officer said the driver was probably picked up by someone they knew.

Additionally he said there were twenty calls in the past hour as the wintry mix picks up.

Workers with Virginia Department of Transportation have shifted their focus back to the primary roads, not secondary, as the wintry mix falls.

Follow along with live traffic updates on the  WTVR.com live blog.

From 4 p.m. Wednesday,Feb. 12 through 4 p.m. Thursday, Virginia State Police state police emergency dispatch centers fielded 4,052 calls for service.

During that same 12-hour period, state troopers responded to 1,095 traffic crashes and 1,115 disabled vehicles across the Commonwealth.

In the Richmond division there have been 307 traffic crashes and 157 disabled vehicles, 745 total calls for service.

AAA driving tips:

  • Do not use cruise control when driving in snow, ice etc.  Remain in control of your car at all times.
  • Do not attempt to drive if you don’t have all weather or winter weather tires.
  • Do not warm up your car in the garage.  If you warm up outside, AAA said to make sure the tailpipe is free from ice and snow before starting your car to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.
  • Keep applying pressure with your foot on the brake, rather than pumping anti-lock brakes.  You might feel the wheels lock momentarily, which may cause the brake pedal vibrate slightly.
  • Steer in the direction you want your car to go if you start to skid.
  • If you’re stuck, remember that traction is greatest before your wheels begin to spin.