The snow is falling and it’s a pretty sight. You start the car, pull out and all is fine. Until you reach the end of your road and become stuck. The snow is too deep for the vehicle you are driving and now you aren’t going anywhere. Do you leave your car and go home? No. You have to be responsible for getting your car off the road before the snow plow arrives.
If you become stuck in the snow you need to stop the car and get out. Check out the situation carefully and reasonably. Figure out why the car is stuck and by this I mean logic. The various reasons can be the snow was too deep for your car to drive through to ice just under the surface of the snow. Whatever the reason you must move your car soon.
If you are stuck due to deep snow use the shovel you should always carry in your car during snow storms and clear the snow from in front of the car and from in front and back of each tire. Decide if your best choice is to move forward once you have cleared the snow or to back away from the area. Once you make a decision on the direction you wish to go start the car and slowly put it in reverse then drive. You are going to rock the car back and forth until it comes clear of the area. Once you are moving again do not stop.
If you are stuck due to ice under the snow it is going to be much harder to move. Using the edge of the shovel you may have to try to chip away some of the ice in front and back of each tire to a dry surface. This will give something for the tires to grab on to so you can move the car. Also carry sand or environmentally safe cat litter to help add traction once you have chipped away the ice from the road. Move the car slowly. If you try to move the car quick the tires will only spin in place and find a new patch of ice to settle in. You must be patient when dealing with snow.
Always carry a tow rope with you so if you do become stuck and someone with a larger vehicle is willing to help you there will be a way for them to drag you free of the ice. When someone offers to help take whatever help they can provide. People are willing to take care of each other during an emergency, but don’t take advantage of them. Don’t ask them to do something you are not willing to get out of your car and do. If you have others helping to push the car be very careful not to back over them. Always make sure everyone is clear of the direction you are trying to move to prevent further injuries.
Once you are moving wave back or pull to a safe area. Thank everyone involved and make sure they are all cleared to move the own vehicles. There will be plenty of others who will need your help and this is your way of paying back for the help offered you. So be safe, cautious and patient. We can survive the storms in life together.
