I Slid Off The Road

I've slid off the road. Now what? If you’ve never driven a car in treacherous winter weather, this post is for you! Expect to encounter ice, black ice, frigid air, fierce winds, snow bombs, Arctic blasts, whiteouts, and windchill. In these types of extreme conditions, the most valuable advice I can share with you is don’t drive, period! If you must travel or get caught in an unexpected Arctic freeze, ensure you have supplies stored onboard to survive. Extreme winter conditions raise the possibility of spending a day or longer stranded inside your vehicle, cold, dehydrated, and hungry!

I slid off the road during a snowstorm. Now what?

Use your cell phone to call 911.
If you are out of cell range and cannot call out...

Don't leave the vehicle unless help is nearby.
Open the windows slightly to allow fresh air to circulate while the vehicle engine is running.
Fresh air reduces the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Check and clear your car's exhaust tailpipe to make sure it is free of snow.
Signal help by turning on the lights and raising the hood of the vehicle. This is the universal call for help.
Tie a bright-colored cloth to the vehicle's antenna to attract attention.
Do not start a fire inside your vehicle.

Vehicle Supply List For Driving in Freezing Winter Conditions

1 gallon (four liters) of drinking water minimum
Extra water for traveling pets
Cell phone - charged
Flashlight & extra batteries
Hand warmers
Blankets - throws - sleeping bag
Extra clothing - jackets - winter hats - gloves - mittens - extra socks
Toilet paper/sanitary napkins
Mylar emergency blankets
Large garbage bags - to cover shoes - used as a rain poncho and rain pants
50ft of homing cord/avalanche cord

Emergency Grub, First Aid, Tools

Canned food - power bars
Pet food
Can opener
Multi-tool - Swiss army knife
First Aid Kit
Flares
Jumper cables
Bucket of sand or bag of cat litter to use for tire traction

Rain Gear

A waterproof poncho covering the head and torso below the knees acts as a shelter and helps keep you dry and traps body heat.

Winter Footwear

Footwear, snow boots, and shoes, waterproof, with liners that can be taken out and dried, are preferred. And can be easily stored in your vehicle.

Emergency Shoe Covers: Plastic Garbage Bags to the Rescue!

In an emergency, sneakers and athletic shoes will become sop and wet from walking in the snow or rain.

Plastic garbage bags can be knotted around each shoe before stepping outside to protect shoes and feet from getting wet. Double or triple bags if needed.

Garbage bags are easily stored in the front seat of your vehicle and in the vehicle's gear bin.

Garbage Bags for Rain Gear

A simple and cost-effective way to have emergency rain and snow protection is to have plenty of large garbage bags stored in your vehicle.

Plastic garbage bags can be used as rain gear for both the upper and lower body.
Upper torso, make holes by tearing the bag off for each arm.
Lower torso; make holes for each leg, tearing the bag where needed.
Double or triple bags if needed to provide even more protection and insulation

Blankets & Sleeping Bags

Extra blankets, sleeping bags, and sleeping pads for each person will make an emergency overnight in a freezing vehicle more bearable.

Sleeping Pad

If you do not have a sleeping pad, use extra clothing, newspaper, cardboard, dry grass, or leaves. These can be used to create a nest to sit or lay upon providing insulation from the cold. Lightweight sleeping pads made for backpacking are excellent.

Utilize Your Body Heat

If there are two or more people or pets in your car, cozy up together. And use each other's body heat to help keep everyone warm.

Drink Water for Hydration

Drinking water is the most effective way to keep your body hydrated and healthy.
It is advisable to have at least (1) gallon of drinking water stored in your vehicle for emergencies.
The rule of thumb is one (1) gallon of water per person per day. Four (4) liters.

Liquids that dehydrate the body

Alcohol dehydrates the body and impairs the brain's ability to think.
Soda and energy drinks are also dehydrating.
Coffee and black tea cause more urine production, depleting the body of needed water.

Emergency Foods to Fuel the Body

Canned foods are the simplest way to store and access energy-rich foods.
Pull-top cans do not require a can opener but sometimes fail. So having a dedicated can opener in your vehicle's bin is a smart idea. See Ready.gov recommendations for food safety.

Canned foods are an ideal choice to store in your vehicle's emergency bin.
Precooked foods can be stored for a long time and eaten straight from the can without heating or cooking.
Stock up on your favorite canned foods to keep your spirits high.
Power bars are easy to store and quick to fuel your body. Rotate power bars every few months.

Redundancy

Redundancy is the key to survival. That means you want to have your critical items within easy reach. While the main emergency bin or supply box is stored behind the seat, trunk, or boot of your rig.

Flashlights

I carry two (2) flashlights near the driver's seat. One is a large floodlight that can be used as an emergency blinker. In addition, a small flashlight is kept within arm's reach.

Backup Batteries

Have backup batteries in the same accessible area as your flashlight.

Cell Phone

Cell phones are indispensable in an emergency. Keep your phone charged and close by for emergency use. Don’t use your cell phone while driving.

First Aid Kit

It’s always wise to have an emergency first aid kit aboard your vehicle. I recommend you make a personalized kit.

The first aid kit should be carried in a waterproof container and should be periodically checked for used products, outdated medications, or torn packaging. The list below contains the first aid supplies I carry in my day pack and truck.

Simple First Aid Kit Example

Triangle bandage or large bandana
2 rolls of 3” stretch bandage (“VetWrap”)
1 roll of sterile gauze
One elastic (ACE type) bandage
Six to ten 4” x 4” sterile gauze pads
Scissor
Tweezer
Moleskin (or equivalent for blister treatment)
Tincture of benzoin
Over-the-counter pain/inflammation medication
Over the counter antihistamine - Benadryl
Personal medications
Chapstick
CPR Mask
Exam gloves that are latex free

Vehicle storage bin

We use transparent plastic bins for storing emergency gear in our vehicles. These are handy and give a quick visual of what we need.
Sometimes, all you’ll need is a medium-sized daypack to store your emergency gear. It depends on where you drive, under what conditions you expect to drive, how many persons travel in the vehicle, and the time of year. Don't forget to keep pet emergency supplies on hand.

Drive to Survive

If you drive in a part of the country where ice and snow are rare, the best advice I can give in these types of weather conditions is to not drive! Follow emergency services directions from your local authorities.

If you must drive, drive cautiously while allowing more space between you and the car in front of you.
Don't brake. Try not to brake as braking will often cause your vehicle to spin out of control.
If you must use the brakes, do so at low and slow speeds.
Keep your headlights on while driving. Keep your car as visible as possible.

Tools to have in your trunk

Powerful flashlight
Flares
Tire chains for vehicle traction in ice and snow driving conditions. Make sure tire chains fit correctly before use.
Short handled shovel
Bucket of sand or cat litter for traction

In conclusion,

Have your car serviced and ready for winter driving conditions.
Follow your local emergency services' recommendations when driving.
Stay home and don't drive in dangerous winter conditions.
Have emergency supplies stored in your car.
Always have supplies stored for traveling with pets.
Think about safety.

What do you carry in your truck or car for winter driving?

Do you have any suggestions, tips, or recommendations? Please leave them in the comment section below.