Is your car stuck in snow or ice in North Texas? Here’s what not to do
If you’re driving out on North Texas roads Tuesday, be careful: Of the 112 calls Tarrant County Sheriff’s Office courtesy patrol responded to between Friday and Saturday, 79 were requests for motor assistance.
The Fort Worth Police Department told the Star-Telegram, from Friday until Tuesday morning, there were a total of 418 stranded motorists and a total of 240 accidents in Fort Worth. As of Tuesday morning, Fort Worth police already received 17 calls for stranded motorists by 11 a.m.
If you brave the still-melting roads, here’s what not to do if your car gets stuck.
Don’t do it alone
If your car ends up getting stuck on the side of a roadway due to ice or snow, don’t try to get it unstuck alone.
If where you are stuck poses a danger to your safety, it is best to call a first responder who can block off lanes with their lit-up vehicles. If you are safe and out of danger’s way, you can always call roadside assistance.
- For emergencies, dial 911.
- To call the Tarrant County Sheriff’s Office patrol (non-emergency) number, look for the number on the back of your drivers’ license or call 817-469-8477.
- If you’re on a North Texas Tollway, dial 999, or use the “Free Roadside Help” button on the NTTA TollMate app.
- For AAA roadside assistance: text HELP to 800-222-4357 for a link to set up roadside assistance, or call 800-222-4357 to speak with a AAA agent.
Don’t floor the gas pedal
If your car is not moving when you press on the gas pedal, stop using the gas pedal.
This can press your car deeper into snow or ice, making it harder to eventually get out. It can also cause wear to your tires, axle and driveshaft.
Don’t start engine with a clogged tailpipe
If waiting in your car to stay warm, be sure your tailpipe is cleared of snow and ice.
Just like how you shouldn’t start your car in a closed garage, a clogged tailpipe can fill your car with carbon monoxide.
Don’t block your pathway to get out of the snow
If you are waiting on assistance, make sure your car has a clear pathway out of being stuck. Clear snow and try to find an out, clear of obstructions or trees.
Additionally, ensure your tires and undercarriage are cleared of snow. This will help your car move back and forth a few feet.
You don’t necessarily need a shovel– screwdrivers, ice scrapers or any other metal tools could work.
Don’t leave on traction control
Traction control is helpful for when your car is moving through snow. If it stays on while you are trying to get out of snow, it will keep tires from spinning, which is what they need to do to get unstuck.
You can find switches for traction control on a car’s console or dashboard.
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Don’t stay still
You can try and rock your car when stuck in snow.
According to AAA, here’s how to safely do so:
- Roll down windows so you can hear what the tires are doing.
- Straighten your tires.
- In the lowest gear, slowly let your foot off the brake to move forward just a bit. Once you feel your car raise (move up a little), press on the brake (AAA says some cars shake and this is normal).
- Be sure the car is fully stopped before switching gears into reverse.
- Take your foot off the brake to reverse slowly and gently add pressure to the gas to build up momentum. Some people use both feet to alternate between the gas and brakes.
- Switch back into drive. Apply a little gas to hopefully have enough traction to move out.
If you hear tires spinning, take foot off the gas. Tires that spin too much can melt snow, which can create ice, which is harder to move out of.
If none of this works, use chains or other options like your vehicle’s floor mats to add traction to the tires.