Life-saving Tips if You're stranded in Winter Weather

In December 2013, a sixty-one-year-old Saskatchewan man was found wandering in the elements four hours after his car became stuck in the snow.  The man had hypothermia but was fortunately in stable condition after being taken to hospital.  The following winter, a Quebec family was stranded for more than 24 hours when their car became stuck in a snowdrift on a remote highway in northern Quebec. They remained in their car and fortunately had posted to their Facebook reporting the bad road conditions before they became stranded.  Other family members and friends went looking for the family when they didn’t arrive as scheduled. Although the stranded family was cold and uncomfortable, they were lucky that they were dressed for winter weather and no one sustained serious injuries.

Canadian winters can be brutal in terms of challenging weather conditions, and if you’re driving in the winter, it’s a good idea to prepare for the possibility of being stranded in your vehicle.  This is particularly true if you take trips away from the city and/or in areas that are less travelled.  Being stranded may simply involve a few hours of discomfort until help arrives or it may actually put you and your family’s life at risk.  In either situation, planning ahead and taking safe and appropriate actions after you become stranded, can make the difference between waiting in relative safety, or suffering extreme discomfort, frostbite or serious injury.

To prepare for the potential of being stuck in the snow or stranded during cold weather conditions, particularly in rural areas or other locations where help may not come for some time, motorists should store these items in their vehicle.

• Extra layers of warm clothing, including gloves, hat, warm socks, a sweater and coat
• Warm blanket or sleeping bag
• A fully charged cell phone
• Flashlight
• Small shovel
• Booster cables and a tow chain
• Non-perishable high-energy food and water
• Brightly coloured cloth
• Container for collecting snow (to potentially convert into drinking water)
• Extra batteries, matches, a flare
• Bag of sand or kitty litter to provide traction for your wheels.

If you do become stuck or stranded, the following tips may save your life.

• Before setting out on a trip: keep your vehicle well maintained; check your oil and windshield washer fluid; and check your tires.
• When taking a trip out of town, let others know where you are going and when you expect to arrive.
• Check the weather forecast you leave.
• Always fill up your gas tank before your trip and re-fill before it gets low.
• Call for help immediately; don’t wait until your phone battery needs charging.
• Tie a brightly coloured cloth to your antenna and/or mirrors to make your vehicle visible.
• Run your vehicle periodically to keep warm.
• Wear all the warm clothing items you have available
• Keep the windows of your vehicle clear so that you can see vehicles approaching
• Stay in your vehicle and huddle with other vehicle occupants.  Your vehicle is your best protection against the elements and it is more likely to be seen by potential rescuers.
• Move around at least once every hour, including moving your hands and feet, to improve circulation and prevent frostbite.
• Stay hydrated and eat in small portions

Many Ontarians who drive frequently in winter road conditions become stuck in the snow or encounter another problem leaving them stranded, at some point or another.  Even more serious is when you experience an accident in winter conditions, where someone is injured and you must wait for help to arrive.  This circumstance can be dire if the collision occurs far from help.  Under any such conditions, it’s critical to immediately phone for emergency assistance, which is why you need to keep a charged phone and batteries in your vehicle for longer trips.  As well, keep the injured person as warm as possible and in the vehicle until help arrives.

Sudbury ILO personal injury lawyers well understand the potential dangers of winter driving.  We have helped many clients who were injured in automobile accidents caused by a negligent driver, in getting the compensation they are owed and need for recovery.  Depending on the severity of one’s injuries, you may be eligible to receive compensation for pain and suffering, rehabilitation expenses, lost wages, family expenses, and any other losses associated with your injury. Call the knowledgeable Sudbury Injury Lawyers of Ontario affiliate today to learn about the strength of your case and how we can help achieve a favourable settlement for you.