Dec 19, 2016

 

A few months ago, we wrote about packing an emergency kit for your car in case you ever find yourself stranded. You can read that post by clicking here.

It is important also to know what to do if you are ever in the situation described, such as stranded with a flat tire or in a blizzard. We have gathered a list of what to do if you are ever stranded.

  • Move your car out of harm’s way the best you can. You want to make sure that you are protecting yourself from getting hit by other vehicles. Even if you can only get over to the shoulder, this helps prevent further damage to you or your vehicle.
  • Make sure to call 911 and tell them where you are.
  • Turn on your hazard flashers and set up reflective triangles to let other people know you are there. You want to be as visible as possible.
  • Make sure your tailpipe is clear of snow in order to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning when you run your engine. You will have to check it often to make sure everything is clear.
  • Do not keep the car running continuously. You will want to just run the car for a few minutes every hour to warm yourself up.
  • Stay in your car as long as you can. You are safe in your car, it is warmer in there, and you have shelter. Also, when people come to help, they will be looking for your car, so you will want to stay in it to make it easier to find you. Only leave the car to clear the tailpipe and windshield.

By following these instructions, you can make sure you are still safe even if you are stuck on the side of the road. Stay safe out there!