Drivers giving up on cars that conk out

COLUMBUS, Ohio, Aug. 8 (UPI) -- Police in Ohio say more motorists are abandoning their broken down vehicles along the highways and letting the cars go to the impound lot.

In theory, drivers who abandon their cars are breaking the law. But the Columbus Dispatch reports they are rarely prosecuted.

That doesn't mean police are happy about it. Hilliard Police Lt. Bob Parkey said drivers "break down by the dozens" on I-270 in his jurisdiction.

"Just because I'm tired of the wife's cat doesn't mean I can throw it out the window," he said. "I have a responsibility."

But Kim Smith, whose 1994 Toyota Tercel died while she was on her way to a medical appointment, said getting her car home would probably cost her more in towing fees than the $200 she paid for it.