What to Do: Stuck without cell service

Steamboat winter driving can be hairy at best, and downright dangerous at worst.

To start, we should say what should be obvious: Be sure your car is as prepped as possible for winter-driving.  Have good snow tires, ensure your 4WD is working correctly, do a vehicle check (good wipers, washer fluid, heater working, etc.), and, lastly, have an emergency kit stocked with: flashlight, batteries, blankets, extra coats/hats/gloves, non-perishable food (like high-calorie energy bars), water bottles, extra can of gas, stocked first-aid kit, flares, emergency light sticks, emergency whistle.

Now, what to do if the worst-possible happens: getting stuck with absolutely no cell phone service?

 

• First, make sure your vehicle is not in a hazardous situation (i.e., in danger of sliding off a ledge).
• “Wait for help! Stay with your vehicle, unless help is clearly visible nearby. Disorientation and confusion come quickly in cold and snowy weather…it’s easy to get lost.
• Display a sign of trouble to let people know you need help.
• Occasionally run the engine to keep it warm, and leave your lights on when the engine is running so you can be seen!
• Do minor exercises to keep up circulation.
• If more than one person is in the car, take turns sleeping …sleepiness can be a sign of hypothermia, and if you are not awakened periodically to increase body temperature, you can freeze to death!
• Huddle together for warmth.
• Layer clothing to trap body heat in order to keep warm.
• Keep a window that is away from the blowing wind slightly open to let air in. “

How to Drive in Mud!

We do NOT suggest that you try this at home!

Spring in Steamboat often means lots of MUD!  For most, this will never be a problem, because you just drive on pavement; but, for those who like the road less traveled, here are some tips for getting through the mud!

Drive slow! You are much less likely to slide around if you are taking it easy. Try a lower gear to control your lead foot.

Never stomp on the gas pedal! If you are losing traction, either take your foot off the gas pedal (if you are going downhill) or keep it steady (if you are going uphill). Nothing gets you stuck quicker than gunning the engine, which only makes your tires spin faster and your ruts deeper.

If you have a regular rear wheel drive vehicle (not 4WD, AWD or FWD), put some weight in the back of your vehicle, right over the rear axle (deep in the trunk or pickup bed). Rocks, gravel and firewood are especially good for weight because you can use them if you get stuck.

Drive so your tires ride the high areas of the road, not the ruts. Ruts are wetter, therefore more muddy, slippery, etc.

Do not ride the brakes. If you are going downhill, shift to a lower gear or just go slow!

Do not stomp on the brake pedal to stop. Pump it slowly. This is called cadence braking, it’s what your ABS on modern cars does automatically when there is a loss of traction, i.e. wet or icy conditions.

If you start to slide, turn your wheels into the direction of the slide (as you would on ice), and start pumping the brakes. If you can’t stop and are heading off the road, turn into the slide and turn the car as gently as possible away from the edge. Sudden turns can turn the car over!

If you get stuck in the mud, put it in park, calm down and get out of the car/van/truck.

1. Survey the lay of the land and figure out the easiest way out of there.
2. Grab some rocks, small logs or that gravel in the back, and make a path for your tires getting as close to the tread as possible (focus on the rear tires if you have rear wheel drive) and don’t create too much height for them to go over.
3. Get back in the car and very slowly go forward. If your tires start to spin, try reverse alternately with forward, rocking the car back and forth until your tires hopefully grab. *Be careful here, you do not want to go deeper in the mud, so pay attention.
4. You might need to try more rocks/sticks again and again.

Bring your cell phone so you can always call for help as a last resort. If you have no cell phone or phone service, always travel with drinking water and a sleeping bag so you can wait it out.