Breaking down on the road is never a good situation, but it can be even worse when it happens in extreme weather conditions. If you’re driving a fuel-efficient vehicle and it breaks down in harsh weather, you’ll need to know what to do to stay safe and get back on the road. Here are some tips to help you handle the situation.
Stay Calm
The first thing you need to do is stay calm. Panicking won’t solve anything and might even make the situation worse. Take a deep breath and assess the situation to figure out what you need to do next.
Check Your Surroundings
After you’ve calmed yourself down, it’s time to check your surroundings. Determine if there is a safe place to stay near your car. If it’s raining or snowing, look for an overhang or a covered area where you can take shelter from the elements. If you’re in a desert, you might need to find a shady spot to avoid the scorching sun.
Contact Help
If you have a cell phone with you, try to contact someone for help. Call a tow truck or your auto insurance company. If you’re stranded in a remote area, try to flag down another motorist and ask for assistance.
Make Yourself Visible
It’s essential to make yourself visible to other drivers. Turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers of your presence. If you have reflective clothing or reflective tape, put it on to make yourself more visible in low-light conditions.
Stay Warm
If you’re stuck in winter weather, it’s crucial to stay warm. Make sure you have some warm clothes and blankets in your vehicle. Run the heater for a short period to warm up the car, then turn it off to conserve fuel.
Stay Hydrated
In extreme weather conditions, it’s easy to get dehydrated quickly. Make sure you have water with you and sip it throughout the day to stay hydrated.
Make a Plan
Use your smartphone or a map to plan your next steps. If you’re stranded in a remote area, consider walking to the nearest town or civilization, but only do so if you have the proper gear and are aware of the potential dangers.
Do Not Leave Your Vehicle
If you’re stranded in the desert, do not leave your vehicle. Your car is your best shelter and protection from the elements. Walking in the desert can be dangerous, and you could get lost or suffer from dehydration and heat exhaustion.
Conclusion
Breaking down in extreme weather conditions can be a frightening experience, but knowing what to do can help keep you safe. Remember to stay calm, assess your surroundings, contact help, make yourself visible, stay warm, stay hydrated, make a plan, and do not leave your vehicle. Stay safe out there!