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If your vehicle breaks down, pull as far off the road as possible. Your greatest personal danger at this point is that of being hit by passing vehicles. Don’t panic. Common sense could be critical to survival. Do not over exert yourself, especially when shoveling snow or pushing a stalled vehicle. This physical activity may be more strenuous than your body can tolerate.
You’ll have to use your best judgment to determine whether or not you should leave your vehicle and walk for help or wait to be rescued. Stand outside for a few moments to consider how cold it really is before you start to walk for help. When the temperature is 20 degrees F and the wind is blowing 30 miles per hour the wind chill “feels like” temperature is 18 degrees F, that's 18 degrees BELOW zero. You could suffer severe complications from exposure after walking a short distance for help. Stay in your vehicle if you are not dressed for extremely cold weather.  If you are stranded in a sparsely populated area, it may be a while before help arrives. Stay in your vehicle, when you feel cold, move around in the vehicle as much as possible, clap your hands, shake your legs, and stomp your feet. Exercise will help maintain body heat and will relieve tense muscles. Sit close together and cover up with blankets or extra clothing to conserve body heat. Do not permit all occupants of the vehicle to sleep at once. Melt snow for drinking water. If you eat snow your body will be even colder. If the engine will start, run it and the heater only for short time periods. Partially open a downwind window to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. Make sure the exhaust pipe is free of obstructions and the windows are not sealed by snow or ice. If you are stranded on a well traveled road, wait for assistance from police or other emergency service providers. Resist the temptation to accept assistance from a stranger. Raise the hood, turn on the dome light and flashers to make your vehicle more noticeable and attach a cloth to the antenna or window indicating you need help. Car telephone owners who see stranded motorists can do them a favor by calling and reporting the exact location and description of the vehicle. Mobile amateur radio operators and CBers can help by relaying messages to base stations who in turn will call the police. |
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