Safety Tips for Being Stuck in Mud With Kids in the Car
Admin • March 8, 2019
A car accident is always a frightening experience when you have kids in the car with you. When you are driving along in precarious weather conditions and encounter deep mud or water and get stuck, you need to know what to do to keep everyone safe.
Remember: it's never safe to drive through running or deep standing water: even six inches of water can drag your vehicle. Mud of any depth can take away your car's tire traction, leaving you prone to getting stuck.
A tow truck service company will arrive at your destination to dislodge your stuck vehicle and bring you and your family to safety. Until the tow truck arrives, follow these safety tips to keep your family protected even if your car is too stuck to move.
Evaluate Your Surroundings
Are there other vehicles driving on the road that can potentially strike your prone vehicle? How deep is the mud or water surrounding your car? Can you safely open a window or car door without allowing water or mud inside?
These are all things you should consider before making your best move. Call 911 if anyone is immediately hurt or if you feel your car is still moving while stuck. If your car is not in the way of traffic and is not being swept away by water or actively sinking in mud, it is best to stay inside the vehicle until your tow truck
arrives.
Gather Emergency Gear
You should carry blankets or towels, nonperishable food items, and fresh water in your car at all times, kept in a safe place that is easy to reach (like the pockets behind your front seats). Gather up all warm gear and make sure your children have their shoes in case you have to evacuate the vehicle.
If you primarily keep emergency supplies in the trunk of your car, do not get out of your vehicle to retrieve them unless absolutely necessary. See the following tip for testing the mud and water surroundings of your vehicle before attempting to leave the car for any reason.
Get Out If Needed
If your car is in traffic, turn your hazard and interior lights on and flash your brights at oncoming traffic to alert other drivers of your stuck vehicle so that you don't get hit. Test the depth of the mud and water around your car by sticking a windshield scraper, pen, or even a notebook into the ground outside your door.
If the mud or water depth is less than a few inches deep and you can open car doors or windows easily, gently guide each family member out one at a time (start with older children so they can help with younger ones) and lead them to dry land away from other cars. Make sure at least one family member is carrying a cell phone to use as both a flashlight to alert oncoming traffic and for making needed phone calls.
Do not go back to your car once you have left the vehicle; your car may sink deeper in mud or get swept away by water, and you may be unable to get out before the tow truck arrives. The tow truck specialist who arrives on scene will use their special extraction equipment and skills to remove your vehicle safely.
Stay away from the tow truck and get as far away from the road as you can while your car is being extracted. Call your auto insurance company or 911 to arrange for transportation so your family can get to a safe location. For all your towing needs, call our team of experts at AA Wrecker Service today.
This guide provides essential tips for towing your motorcycle securely, whether you're handling a breakdown, transporting over a long distance, or in an emergency situation. Understand the key factors of motorcycle towing, from selecting the proper trailer or tow truck to securing your bike correctly to avoid damage. Learn how to ensure safe transport by checking weight capacity, using a wheel chock for stability, and driving cautiously.
Discover practical troubleshooting tips for when your car won't start, including how to check the battery, fuel system, ignition, and other common issues. These simple steps can help you diagnose and fix problems, potentially saving you time and money.
Learn essential tips to prevent vehicle breakdowns, from checking fluid levels to monitoring tire health. These proactive steps can keep your car running smoothly and help you avoid the hassle of unexpected issues on the road.
Discover practical methods for safely recovering a vehicle stuck in mud, including using the rocking technique, creating traction with materials, and deflating tires. Learn how to assess the situation and apply these tips to get unstuck without causing further damage.
Read this blog to learn why you should call a towing service after a vehicle accident to ensure the safety and preservation of your vehicle.
Discover essential roadside safety tips for staying safe when your car breaks down. From pulling over safely to using your emergency kit, learn how to handle car trouble confidently and ensure your safety on the road.
Every car owner fears breaking down. Read our blog to learn why you need a professional towing service if you break down and why DIY isn't enough.
Dealing with an abandoned vehicle can be inconvenient. Read our blog to learn why you should call a professional abandoned vehicle towing service.
Understanding the potential reasons for needing a motor home tow and how to prepare for such an event can save you time. Read on to learn more.
Your vehicle can break down at any place and at any time. Learn about some of the main reasons why cars might suddenly break down.
