'Why are there white t-shirts on abandoned cars?' drivers ask – as cops reveal true meaning behind '24 hour' symbol | 38694W5 | 2024-04-22 12:08:01
POLICE officers reinforce the need to carry a white towel, cloth, or t-shirt if you live in a certain state to let officers know to pull over.
The practice of using white cloth to inform authorities that help is needed is in the state's official handbook.
A multitude of abandoned vehicles along North Carolina's main highways prompted state troopers to remind drivers to use a white cloth to alert officials that their vehicle is disabled and help is needed.
Otherwise, they may be tagged and towed – especially if they appear abandoned.
However, the practice mustn't be abused to park on the shoulders of highways for extended periods.
Which, unfortunately, troopers worry is becoming popular as TikTok and Instagram content creators made satirical posts about leaving a white t-shirt wedged between the window and the door frame and returning to it six months later.
This led some drivers to believe that it was a way to keep vehicles stored along highways without repercussions.
Using a white cloth to signal to troopers that help is needed is on page 62 of the state's official driving handbook, saying it's a valid way to signal for help.
"If a vehicle breakdown forces you to stop, move far off the road, tie a white cloth on the radio aerial or left-door handle, and raise the hood," the handbook reads.
North Carolina Trooper Chris Casey said broken-down vehicles with white t-shirts hanging from the driver's side windows tell officers to evaluate the situation.
"If we see a white t-shirt or tower in the window then we will pull over and check out the vehicle," Casey told CBS affiliate WTLX over a video call.
However, a lack of one leaves officers to assume they're abandoned and therefore will receive an orange sticker to let tow trucks know to tow the car if it's not moved within 24 hours.
<!-- End of Brightcove Player --> "We'll put an orange sticker on the vehicle with a time and date and other information that's required for the sticker, and what that does is it starts the clock for your 24-hour time frame," he said.
The practice of leaving a white shirt, cloth, or towel in the window started in the 1950s when multiple cars stopped on the side of the road.
Many times, vehicles were stopped to enjoy a picnic, marvel at a roadside attraction, or take a bathroom break.
With so many vehicles on the side of the road, it was important to distinguish those who needed help and those who did not, reported the North Carolina Rabbit Hole.
The orange sticker lets tow truck drivers know that a vehicle is ready to be towed if it hasnt moved within 24 hours[/caption]
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Evidence of the practice being broadcast to the general public goes back to 1952 when an article from the Associated Press advised drivers to do so to alert the police they require assistance.
In 1961, the American Association of State Highway Officials wrote that using white fabric was an official way to signal for help.
While using white fabric isn't the law in North Carolina, it's something that troopers still keep in mind when patrolling major highways.
However, it is important to remember – unlike popular TikToks or Instagram Reels, the practice is used to draw a trooper's attention, not to put them off.
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