
Man dies after repeatedly revving car to get out of snowbank
Police had asked the man to stop revving his engine, local media reports.
A 62-year-old New Jersey man is dead after repeatedly revving the engine of his sport utility vehicle in an attempt to get out of a snowbank, NBC New York says.
Police arrived at the scene around 9 a.m. Wednesday following reports of a vehicle hopping over a parking divider, landing in a snowbank.
According to NBC, officers tried to speak with the man, who ignored them. He was asked to stop accelerating and told a tow truck would be called. According to officers, the man silently continued to rev the engine, rocking the car back and forth to try and dislodge.
Soon after, flames emerged from under the vehicle, quickly engulfing it. Officers tried to get into the car, but the doors were locked. They managed to break a window, but the flames prevented them from reaching the man, whose identity has not been released.
Police are investigating the cause of the fire but early observations suggest the gas tank was punctured when the car passed over the parking divider.
New Jersey was hit with a substantial winter storm earlier this week, with some areas receiving more than 76 cm of snow.
HOW TO GET YOUR CAR OUT OF A SNOWBANK
Here are some tips, courtesy of the CAA:
Remove snow from around your car and tires If it's safe to do so, exit your vehicle and try to determine how your car got stuck.
Don't spin your wheels. If you're on ice, spinning your wheels won't help. You'll need to create traction.
Clear your exhaust. If your tailpipe is clogged with snow and debris, carbon monoxide-filled exhaust could filter into your car.
Put your car in second gear. CAA says this helps slow the wheels, creating a greater chance of picking up traction.
Create your own traction. It's a good idea to keep a container of kitty litter in your car for situations just like this. Laying some down in front of your wheels may help get your car going. If you don't have any litter, try using a floor mat, or melt the snow and ice with salt.
Carefully rock your car. While the CAA recommends cautiously rocking your car it doesn't come without risks. Rapid gear changes can use a lot of gas and overwhelm a car's transition. And this certainly isn't recommended if there's a chance your car was damaged prior to becoming stranded, like in the story above.
Call for help. If possible, it's best to let professionals manage the situation. If you're in a safe spot and armed with blankets to keep you warm, consider seeking help.