ST. LOUIS (KTVI) — A winter storm can turn an ordinary commute into an unexpected situation, leaving motorists stuck on the roadways and in the cold. If you’re stranded in the snow, safety officials say a few steps can turn a frightening situation into a manageable one.
During a winter weather event, drivers are encouraged to stay home and not drive unless it is necessary, according to Missouri State Highway Patrol Sgt. Dallas Thompson.
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If you plan to travel during a winter weather event, drivers are advised to prepare ahead of time by making sure they have plenty of gas in their tank to ensure they have heat in case they are stuck for a extended period of time.
In the event of your vehicle getting stranded in the snow, AAA says drivers should follow these seven tips if their vehicles were to get stuck in the snow:
1. Remain calm and know what not to do
In the case of your vehicle getting stuck, AAA advises drivers to remain calm as losing a temper won’t get you out of the predicament any faster. Additionally, AAA says you shouldn’t
- Don’t floor the gas pedal. This will dig your tire deeper into the snow, making it more difficult to escape. Additionally, it could cause your tires to burn up or lead to transmission problems to your vehicle.
- Don’t start the engine without clearing your tailpipe first. If the exhaust pipe is blocked, carbon monoxide can build up inside your vehicle.
- Don’t lose sight of your vehicle’s pathway out of the snow. Make sure the path is clear of deep snow to prevent getting stuck again and to avoid striking potential objects in the area.
- Don’t go at it alone. If possible, extra help will save drivers more time and effort to escape from the snow.
- Don’t take off fast when you escape. When your car does get out, drive smooth and steady to avoid getting stuck again, or hitting any objects in the area.
2. Clear the snow and ice around your vehicle
Remove any snow or ice from around the tires of the vehicle using a shovel. This will allow drivers to give their vehicles extra room to move back and forth. Furthermore, it will allow drivers to examine the undercarriage of the vehicle for any snow that may limit its movement.
3. Turn off traction control
Although traction control typically supports drivers control their vehicle when hitting ice on the road, it won’t help when stuck in the snow. Turning off traction control will allow your vehicle’s wheels to spin, which can sometimes free you out of the snow.
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4. Rock the vehicle
Rocking your vehicle can help put the vehicle’s tires in a higher position to help get it unstuck, building up momentum to drive out of it. The method calls for the driver to alternate between forward and reverse. According to AAA, drivers should do the following methods when rocking their vehicle:
- Pay attention to your vehicle. It is important to see and hear how your vehicle is operating, such as tires spinning, while stuck in the snow. If someone is with you, have them watch them for you. If you’re alone, stick your head out the window to watch your tires, if possible.
- Straighten your tire. This will help reduce drag and prevent new tracks, which could possibly wedge under the steering wheel.
- Slightly move vehicle forward. Using the vehicle’s lower gear, slightly apply the throttle, which should make the vehicle increase in height a bit. At that point, apply the brake. By pressing the brake, drivers may feel the pedal vibrate, which is normal.
- Make sure vehicle is stopped before switching gears. This could protect your vehicle from sustaining damage to its transmission.
- Go into reverse. Slightly push down on the throttle but not too much where you have excessive wheel spin.
- Repeat the process. Make sure your tires aren’t spinning. Excessive tire spin can melt the snow under the tires, creating ice, which would make it more difficult to escape.
5. Add traction under your tires
Adding traction under your vehicle’s tires can help prevent it from sliding and can push you through the snow. This includes:
- Tire chains
- Block of wood
- Plastic grate
- Floor mats from vehicle
- Cardboard
- Sand
- Gravel
- Cat litter (non-clumping)
After applying the object, be cautious and make sure to slightly press on the throttle.
6. Get assistance from others
If you’re with others or can receive assistance from good Samaritans, physically push your vehicle out of the snow. First, make sure the vehicle is in forward gear and that the ground isn’t too slippery. As others push, gently apply the throttle to gain momentum.
7. Request roadside assistance
If none of the methods work, officials advise drivers to contact 911 or a roadside assistance service…