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Show I UHP to remove abandoned cars "We don't want to penalize people . with mechanical problems," said Major Ivan Orr, field commander for the Highway Patrol. "But we don't want their cars being involved in accidents either. The Highway Patrol will make every effort to assist people who are stranded out on the highway." Abandoned vehicles left parked I on or adjacent to the paved portion I of the highway will be towed away after two hours, according to a ! policy change by the Utah Highway Patrol. The policy will affect all freeways and major highways with 55 mph speed limits. ! The Patrol now considers 1 abandoned vehicles to be a safety hazard after reviewing accident statistics for the past two and one-half one-half years. During the period there were 267 accidents involving both attended and unattended vehicles parked in the emergency lane. There were 29 people killed, and another 87 people were injured. If a vehicle is left unattended in the dirt area away from the pavement and does not constitute a hazard, it will be allowed to sit for 24 hours before being towed. The Patrol recommends that ' drivers park their disabled cars as I far off the traveled portion of the road as possible, regardless of how I long the car will remain or whether I it will be attended or unattended. . Drivers are encouraged to leave a I note with an unattended vehicle I advising who the Patrol should contact concerning problems with the vehicle and also any arrangements the driver may be making for removal or repair. |