How to Handle Being Trapped in a Snowstorm

If you had your choice, chances are you would ride out a blizzard or severe snowstorm from the comfort of your couch. Few people, if any, want to find themselves trapped in their car during extreme weather scenarios.  If you should ever find yourself in such a situation, don’t panic!  Cooler heads always prevail.

With winter almost upon us, it’s a good idea to brush up on what you know about surviving in your vehicle.  Preparation can save lives! You may think it will never happen to you, and we hope it doesn’t. According to the Farmer’s Almanac, North Carolina may have a snowy winter this year. Here are some ideas to help you get home safely during a snowstorm.

1. Keep Your Car Serviced

Before a storm hits, make sure your vehicle is serviced. Your windshield wiper fluid and antifreeze should be topped off. Make sure your tires are properly inflated, have good tread and that your brakes are in good working order.

2. Keep the Tank Full

If you become stranded, you will want to be sure that you have enough gas to keep the heat running. You may have heard that you should never let your tank get below a quarter in the cold weather. Why take a chance?  If you can, fill up the tank once it gets to the halfway point.

3. Make an Emergency Kit

You stand a better chance of surviving if you have the tools you need. Invest in a hard-sided cooler if you don’t already have one. Fill it with nonperishable food items, phone charger, bottles of water, a change of socks and shoes, a blanket, a hat and gloves, a flashlight, extra batteries, flares and anything else you think you may need in an emergency situation.

4. Stranded!

What you have prepared for actually happens, and now you’re stranded. First, don’t panic. Make a call to emergency services and huddle down and wait. Get those supplies out of your trunk, wrap yourself in a blanket and wait it out. Get out of the car occasionally, after checking to be sure it is safe to do so, and clear off your car so that it is visible. Don’t let snow and ice clog your exhaust pipe. Put flares or emergency triangles around your vehicle and turn your hazard lights on.

5. Stay Put

You may feel as though help is never coming. Your phone’s battery may have died. You could have a myriad of reasons why you believe that you are in it for the long haul. No matter what you do, do not leave your vehicle. You are more likely to be seriously harmed, or even killed, if you wander off.

Being stranded in the snow is not something anyone wants to be forced to deal with, but it can happen. If you are injured in a vehicle collision in Charlotte this winter, be sure to reach out to our office. We have attorneys who are ready to stand up for your rights. Your case evaluation won’t cost you a thing.