Struggling on messy winter roads? Car trapped in a snow pile? Here's what you do
Pack your patience when you head out on the roads after a snow event.
Many Ontario communities are digging out after a major snowstorm hit a swath of the province, blanketing some areas with more than 20 cm of accumulation.
It has been some time since the Greater Toronto Area has seen so much snow. Between February 12-13, 26 cm piled up at Toronto Pearson International Airport. That's the largest two-day accumulation in three years:
Be wary of other motorists
Given the time since Toronto's last major snow event, you may encounter some motorists who aren't driving according to the conditions.
Winter driving, after all, is a skill -- and a lack of storms means some drivers could be a bit rusty.
Keep this in mind when you head out on the roads on Thursday and into the weekend.
Navigating winter roads safely
Slow down. Even plowed roads can be slippery.
Leave extra space. Motorists are generally told to keep a two-second distance from other cars. In a winter storm scenario, experts recommend leaving a three-second cushion. Snow and ice can impact a car's ability to slow down and brake.
Clear the snow off your car (and stay away from cars that haven't. Snow and ice can reduce visibility, sometimes suddenly, if the debris shakes loose and crashes onto your windshield while in motion. Flying debris can also lead to accidents and delays for others. Lastly, having an uncleared car can land you with steep fines if you cause an accident.
Want more driving tips? Read (and bookmark) Weather Network meteorologist Tyler Hamilton's in-depth guide on winter driving, and how to navigate adverse weather.
Oh no! My car is stuck in a snow pile!
This will often require a call for professional help. Last year, The Weather Network's Nathan Coleman spoke with Paul Beaton of Beaton's Towing in Halifax for snowbank safety tips.
He said the best safety tip is to focus on prevention: Driving defensively with winter tires installed is the first step toward avoiding a snowbank.
Packing your car with bags of sand or kitty litter to create traction, as well as a shovel, is also helpful. Keep a blanket in the car to stay warm in case you need to call for help and are stuck outside for a bit.
Last but not least, slow down. Your car is far more likely to spin out if you aren't driving according to the conditions.
If all else fails and you find yourself stuck in a snowbank, here are some safety 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.
Create traction. Here's where the sand or kitty litter mentioned above comes in handy. 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.
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.
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 before becoming stranded.
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.
Acting recklessly in snowbank doesn't just put your car at risk of potential harm. It can be dangerous for drivers and passengers as well: In 2021, a 62-year-old New Jersey man died after repeatedly revving the engine of his sport utility vehicle in an attempt to get out of a snowbank.
Officers asked the man to stop accelerating and told him a tow truck would be called. Reports suggest he silently continued to rev the engine, rocking the car back and forth to try and dislodge it. This caused the vehicle to become engulfed in flames -- early observations suggested the gas tank was punctured when the car passed over the parking divider.
In other words: It's ok to call help to handle the problem. Mistakes can be costly, or worse.
WATCH BELOW: Why you should always be aware of your heart while shovelling snow
Header image: Cheryl Santa Maria for The Weather Network.