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NEWPORT – Pend Oreille County Sheriff Glenn Blakeslee is warning drivers about safety when it comes to back country roads. The department had to respond to four different incidents involving trapped motorists within a span of 10 days, an amount Blakeslee said was unusual.
“We usually respond to maybe one this time of year,” he said.
April 20, April 21 and April 22, deputies responded to vehicles stuck in snow at Roosevelt Grove, Petit Lake and Forest Service Road 308.
Again, on April 28 another vehicle was reported being stuck near Metaline.
Back country roads in higher northern elevations are still unsafe. It is the responsibility of the Sheriff’s Office to respond to search and rescue missions.
“We are concerned about people’s safety. But, it is not our responsibility to get their cars out,” Blakeslee said. “We don’t take on liability for getting out vehicles.”
People should decide to retrieve their cars with help from friends and family members, he said.
Better yet, Blakeslee advised motorists to be careful and be prepared for emergencies.
That includes an emergency supply kit containing jumper cables, flares or reflective triangles, an ice scraper, car cell phone charger, blanket, map and cat litter or sand for better tire traction.
“Warm clothing, food, full fuel tanks, and shovels are all needed items,” he said.
Blakeslee said most of these snow covered areas are in a no cell service zone.
Cars go off packed snowmobile trails into powdery snow where motorists have gotten stuck, Blakeslee said.
He said people should get to the safest location if stuck, choosing to stay with the vehicle would be at their own.
