Ok. Now......I've never needed to do it. I've found simply pulling the car off the road and refusing to budge until unwanted behavior stops enough.
BUT...........(there is always a but, huh? lol)
For me, it would depend on the circumstances. Teens, maybe. Certainly not young kids. And OMG!! ON the Turnpike!!!!! EEK!! Surroundings also need to be taken into account as well.
My Mom has done it. And not always just in the car situation. Once I was about 15 and she couldn't find me in a store we were shopping in the mall. (I was like 10 feet away at the time) Instead of looking for me, she got in the car and went home.
Took me about an hour to decide she'd left. Another two hours to walk the 10 miles home. I was so enraged by the time I got there I went full blown difficult child on her. Walking that far in 20 degree weather, snow, when you're not dressed for it is NOT fun, nor pleasant.
Last time I ever went shopping with her.
Like I said, I don't have much problem with it concerning much older kids......but good grief, parents must at least use good judgment. Sounds like with these girls she could've just went down the road a bit and stopped to give them a 2nd chance. sheesh
Got to give this Mom some credit.......at least she searched for them....and didn't just leave them to fend for themselves.