It’s every driver’s worst nightmare—stuck in the middle of a snowstorm, your car slipping and sliding with no way out. It’s frustrating, it’s scary, and it happens more often than you think. Nearly 900 people lose their lives and almost 76,000 are injured in vehicle crashes every year during snowfall or sleet.
Snow and ice don’t care if you’re prepared—they’ll catch you off guard. That’s why knowing what to do when your car gets stuck is so important. In this article, we’ll walk you through the 30-minute rule—what steps to take immediately, how to stay safe, and when to ask for help.
What Is the 30-Minute Rule?
The 30-minute rule of thumb is pretty straightforward: if you get stuck in active snowfall, give yourself a 30-minute window to try and get out.
Because the longer you stay put trying to free your car, the more dangerous your situation becomes. Snow accumulates fast, temperatures drop, and visibility gets worse by the minute. Plus, you’re burning fuel that you might need later.
On the other hand, getting out too quickly can also land you in more trouble. You could get a frostbite or become disoriented. Not at all recommended during a snowstorm.
Why does this trick work? Simple. When panic sets in, people often make poor decisions that lead to tragic outcomes.
The Risk of Driving during Heavy Snowfall
In just one week of November 2024, Colorado Springs Police dealt with more than 100 crashes in a single week of November during heavy snowfall. Many of these could have been prevented if drivers had known when to stop pushing their luck.
Colorado Springs, like much of southern Colorado, has been blanketed in record-breaking snowfall this November. With feet of snow piling up, roads that seem safe during the day often turn into treacherous sheets of ice by nightfall.
As a result, auto accidents become rampant at this time, as drivers struggle to maintain control of their vehicles in the slick, icy conditions.
If you or someone you know ends up in a weather-related crash in Colorado Springs, rest assured you don’t have to fight this battle alone. A qualified auto accident attorney in Colorado Springs can offer you valuable post-accident legal advice and help you understand your rights.
Most importantly, they can guide you through the complex process of filing an insurance claim. Colorado Springs’ specific insurance requirements can make getting fair compensation pretty tough on your own. The paperwork alone can be overwhelming.
As Springs Law Group explains, auto accident attorneys know exactly what it takes to build a strong case. They’ll handle everything from collecting evidence at the crash scene to dealing with insurance companies while you focus on recovery.
4 Precautions to Take Within the First 30 Minutes When Stuck in Snowfall
Here are a few things you need to do if your car gets stuck in the snow:
Stay Inside Your Vehicle
The first rule is the simplest – don’t leave your vehicle. Your car is your shelter. According to the National Weather Service, you should stay inside your vehicle during a heavy snowstorm. If you leave your car, you run the risk of becoming disoriented quickly.
Turn your engine on for 10 minutes every hour to keep warm (any longer risks carbon monoxide buildup). Before starting your engine, make sure your exhaust pipe isn’t blocked by snow as a blocked exhaust can force deadly carbon monoxide back into your car.
Conserve Fuel
Check your fuel gauge immediately. Most modern vehicles consume about 0.16 gallons or 0.6 liters per hour while idling. This means a car with a 15-gallon tank that’s a quarter full still has enough fuel to idle for roughly 20-24 hours.
This is not your cue to take chances. Use your fuel sparingly. Keep your phone charged (this is why having a car charger is crucial) and use it only when necessary. If you need to run the engine for heat, stick to the 10-minute-per-hour rule we mentioned earlier.
Try to Improve the Visibility
Blinding snow can reduce visibility to less than ¼ mile, making it nearly impossible for rescue teams or other drivers to spot you. Tie something bright to your antenna or door handle – a red cloth or emergency flag works best.
Turn on your hazard lights, and if it’s dark, keep your dome light on. This combination of signals significantly increases your chances of being spotted. The Department of Transportation’s visibility guidelines state that emergency signals should be visible from at least 500 feet in normal daylight.
Clear Your Exhaust Pipe
This is one of those things that often gets overlooked. Snow accumulation around your exhaust pipe can be lethal. CDC reports that carbon monoxide poisoning caused by car exhaust systems contributes to over 400 deaths annually.
If and when it’s safe to do so, step outside for a quick moment and check your exhaust pipe to make sure it’s not blocked by snow.
Clear at least a three-foot radius around it. Be sure to keep an eye on this area as the snow may pile up again, blocking the pipe. A little check can make all the difference in keeping you safe.
Patience Pays Off in a Snowstorm
Getting stuck in snow is not less of a test of your endurance and more of a test of your judgment. These first 30 minutes are your window to make smart decisions that keep you and your passengers safe. Keep this guide handy in your winter emergency kit, and don’t hesitate to call for professional help when you need it.
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