00:00With all the snow on the roads, it's especially easy to slip and slide and get your vehicle stuck.
00:06Tonight, News 3's Madeline Parker has tips on what to try before calling a tow truck.
00:12Getting stuck in the snow? That's easy.
00:14But getting unstuck can be the real challenge.
00:17In fact, I drove this WSIL News car intentionally into the snow
00:21to show you that getting unstuck can be as simple as four easy steps.
00:26First, you need to make sure to clear a path for your car in order to get out.
00:30You can use a shovel, a small trowel, and even in a pinch, a piece of wood.
00:35Make sure to get behind the tires, under the car, and around your exhaust pipe.
00:40Next, add some tractions onto your tires to give them something to grip onto.
00:43Ideally, you would have kitty litter or sand, but sticks and rocks can work in a pinch.
00:47The third step is softening your tires a little.
00:50This will help your tires move across the packed ice and snow.
00:52Just release about 5 to 10 pounds of pressure from your tires, and you'll be good to go.
00:57And lastly, straighten your wheels.
00:59Apply gentle pressure to the accelerator, lightly tap the brakes,
01:03and if your wheels spin, put your car in reverse, then back into drive until the car is free.
01:08The most important advice, however, is trying to not get stuck at all.
01:1240% of all wintertime accidents occur on adverse driving conditions,
01:17meaning there's snow or the road is wet or there's ice.
01:20So, I mean, it kind of seems like common sense, but if you can avoid those conditions, that's your best
01:25bet.
01:26And if you do find yourself stuck, don't panic.
01:28Stay calm and make sure to not gun your tires, as it could make you more stuck.
01:33Now, these conditions are ideal to get your vehicle stuck in the snow,
01:36so make sure your trunk is packed with all the supplies you need to save a call to a tow
01:41truck.
01:42In Carterville, Madeline Parker, News 3.
