What to Do If You Get Stranded in Your Car This Winter

02.20.2022
Snow Covered Road near Bare Trees | Breast Cancer Car Donations

Photo by Da Khatri under Pexels License 

6 Tips That Can Save Your Life

Imagine driving in a blizzard and your car breaks down in the middle of an ice-covered road. Worse, there’s no one around you to help you. Do you think you’ll be able to make it?

While many drivers can handle wintry road conditions, not everyone has a clue on what to do in case they get stuck in a whiteout snowstorm. If ever you find yourself in this unfortunate situation, it’s crucial to know how to safely get yourself out of it.

So, what should you do in case you get stranded in your car this winter? Breast Cancer Car Donations shares these six helpful tips that can save your life:

1. Don’t leave your car behind.

If you’re having trouble moving or can’t get your car unstuck, just stay put. Your car is good enough to be your shelter. Don’t set out on foot unless there’s a nearby building where you can seek refuge.

2. Contact local authorities.

As soon as you realize that you’re stuck, notify the authorities right away. Don’t wait for your phone to give up on you. Pinpoint your location with your GPS and tell them where you exactly are. Let them know your situation, whether or not you still have enough gas, and other important information.

3. Make yourself completely visible.

Do everything you can to get seen by rescuers. Turn on the hazard lights and hang a distress flag from your window or radio antenna. Honk out SOS in Morse code, use a piece of colorful fabric, or stomp large block letters in an open area spelling out SOS or HELP in the snow.

4. Run the engine and heater.

Keep yourself warm by running the engine and heater for about 10 minutes each hour. As the engine runs, slightly open a downwind window for ventilation. Clear snow from the exhaust pipe to protect yourself from carbon monoxide poisoning.

5. Move your body a lot.

Maintain your body heat by moving every now and then, though you should avoid overexertion. If it gets extremely cold, use seat covers, floor mats, and road maps for insulation. Cover yourself in extra layers.

6. Avoid wasting battery power.

To keep your battery from dying and your fuel line from freezing, make sure to balance your electrical energy needs as much as possible. When the sun’s out, take advantage of its natural warmth. Run the engine only during nighttime.

 

Essential Things to Store in Your Car This Winter

This winter, pack essential winter tools and supplies and store them in your vehicle’s trunk. That way, you’d be fully prepared when you get stranded on the road during a snowstorm. The items you should store should include:

  • Ice scraper, snow brush, and shovel
  • Cat litter or sand for traction
  • Windshield scraper and small broom
  • Hazard triangles, LED lights, and a flashlight (with extra batteries)
  • Tow chain or rope
  • Jumper cables
  • Snacks and water
  • Wool blanket
  • Extra boots, gloves, scarf, socks, and hat
  • Portable phone charger
  • Fluorescent distress flag
  • First aid kit

 

Become a Hero with a Simple Charitable Act

If you have a car that’s no longer safe to drive, especially during winter, how about donating it to us here at Breast Cancer Car Donations instead of risking your life driving that vehicle? Doing so will not only give you peace of mind but will also allow you to play a vital role in saving the lives of breast cancer patients in your area.

We will auction off your donated vehicle and use the proceeds to support the life-saving programs of our breast cancer-focused charity partners. These IRS-certified 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations use the funding we give to provide uninsured and indigent breast cancer patients with easy access to top medical facilities as well as financial assistance to help cover the costs of their treatments, hospitalization, medications, and follow-up care. Other beneficiaries get to receive free breast cancer screening, diagnosis, counseling, and other breast cancer prevention and education services.

As a donor, you’ll be entitled to claim the maximum tax deduction in the next tax season. You will also benefit from our free towing service, which we offer our donors in all parts of the United States.

Even more precious than these material rewards, you’ll find awesome satisfaction in knowing that your donation will be used to help save lives.

You can donate almost any type of vehicle regardless of its age or condition. If you’re not sure whether we’ll accept your contribution or not, visit this page for a listing of vehicle types that we commonly accept.

For more information on our vehicle donation program, including our quick and convenient donation process, check out our FAQs page. For your inquiries or concerns, call us anytime through our toll-free hotline at 866-540-5069 or send us a message here.

 

Help Save Lives with Breast Cancer Car Donations Today!

If you’ve always wanted to make a difference in the lives of hurting individuals, today is as good as any to make it happen. It only takes a simple vehicle donation for you to become a lifesaver. Call Breast Cancer Car Donations at 866-540-5069 or fill out our secure online donation form now!

 

Last Updated: March 10th, 2023