There are a lot of conflicting ideas going around about how dangerous and dramatic winter driving can be. So here's a clear, simple guide for what to do when you find yourself lost in the snow.
10.) Assess The Situation
The first thing to do when you get stuck is to try to get a good idea of the situation you're in. Are you near a built up area where you could walk to try to get help? Are there any other cars that are stuck nearby?
Turn on the radio, or use a weather app to determine if it's better to ride out the storm, or to seek shelter/help.
Suggested By: Bearded Bastard, Photo Credit: Getty Images
9.) Make Your Vehicle Noticeable
Turn your hazards on, and do whatever else you can to make your vehicle noticeable. If you've got a reflective warning triangle or flares, excellent.
A visible car will keep people from crashing into you, and let rescue workers know where you are, but for the love of all that is holy, don't just blare your high beams.
Suggested By: cazzyodo, Photo Credit: Getty Images
8.) Keep Your Exhaust Pipe Clear
I cannot overstate the importance of cleaning your tailpipe enough. Carbon Monoxide poisoning can kill you, so make sure your car's engine can breathe properly.
Suggested By: NegativeEd, Photo Credit: Sergey Galyonkin
7.) Shovel Yourself Out
If it's safe, and you've got a shovel in your car (as you should), try to shovel yourself free. No sense resigning yourself to being stuck until you at least attempt to get yourself free.
Suggested By: For Sweeden, Photo Credit: Getty Images
6.) Stay With The Car
If conditions are bad and you can't find shelter, your car will provide you shelter from the cold, and help rescue workers find you more easily.
Suggested By: As Du Volant, Photo Credit: Getty Images
5.) Bundle Up
It's going to get cold, so make sure layer on all the clothes you have, and wrap yourself in a warm blanket if you have one. If you don't have a blanket, make sure you get one before the next big snowstorm.
Suggested By: toomuchcommuting, Photo Credit: Chris Barnes
4.) Drink Water And Eat Good Food
Your body is going to expend a lot of energy trying to stay warm, so it's important to stay hydrated with plenty of water, and energized with some healthy, protein-rich snacks.
Suggested By: KillerRaccoon - Group J's Sébastien Loeb, Photo Credit: Rob Stinnett
3.) Make Friends With Your Neighbors
From reader As Du Volant:
"If in a situation where there's other cars stuck with you and no chance of any wayward traffic hitting you, make friends with your neighbors. If the sh*t hits the fan you can pool your resources to survive longer/make the wait more bearable."
Suggested By: As Du Volant, Photo Credit: Getty Images
2.) Mind Your Fuel Consumption
Always have at least 1/2 a tank of gas in your car during the winter. It might seem ridiculous, until you find yourself stuck, and you'll be glad you brimmed the tank. From reader JayBee_III:
"Conserve fuel and run your engine intermittently. Don't just keep running your car on idle. You have no idea how long you'll be there, turn it on occasionally to warm yourself up, and keep your car from freezing up, but leaving it running could spell disaster."
Suggested By: JayBee_III, Photo Credit: Brian Shamblen
1.) Stay Calm
You might be stuck for a long time, so the best thing you can do is to stay calm and wait for help. Don't waste your energy getting stressed and nervous about things that are beyond your control.
Suggested By: POD, Photo Credit: Getty Images
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