West Virginia driving lesson · Emergencies and Crashes
Emergency kits, Courtesy Patrol and litter laws
A 3-minute lesson from the West Virginia course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.
Being stranded is far easier with the right supplies, and on WV interstates the Courtesy Patrol may come to help. The handbook also covers litter penalties and how to dispose of vehicle waste.
Suggested automobile emergency kit:
Battery-powered radio and flashlight, with extra batteries
The WV Courtesy Patrol helps stranded motorists: it removes road hazards, provides gas or directions, and changes flat tires, working with State Police and 911 centers.
Littering on public or private roadways or property is illegal. A conviction can bring a fine of $50 to $1,000, up to 60 days in county jail, or at least 30 hours of litter pickup, and points on your record.
Dirty motor oil, old tires, antifreeze, and batteries are the biggest vehicle-waste threats. Oil from a single change (about a gallon) can ruin a million gallons of water.
Antifreeze is listed as hazardous waste by the EPA. Battery retailers must recycle old batteries on request, and many parts stores recycle used oil free.
Your car dies on I-77 at night. Pull as far off as possible, lock the doors, and call the Courtesy Patrol at 1-800-964-1449. Help arrives in a white pickup with blue and gold logos and an orange light bar.
Check your understanding
Read the question, decide on an answer, then open it to check the explanation. These are Roadwise study questions based on the source handbook.
What service does the West Virginia Courtesy Patrol NOT typically provide to stranded motorists?
Changing a flat tire
Filing a police report on your behalf
Providing gas or directions
Removing hazards from the roadway
Answer: Filing a police report on your behalf
The Courtesy Patrol assists with flat tires, gas, directions, and roadway hazards, but does not file police reports.