Stuck in Snow or a Ditch? Safe Recovery Tips + When to Call a Tow Truck

Getting stuck in snow or sliding into a ditch is one of those situations that can happen in a blink—especially when roads look “mostly fine,” visibility is low, or temperatures drop fast. One minute you’re driving cautiously, the next minute your tires are spinning, your vehicle is angled off the road, and your heart is pounding.

The most important thing to know is this: what you do in the first few minutes can prevent injuries, prevent vehicle damage, and make recovery faster and cheaper. The wrong move—like flooring the gas, standing in traffic, or letting an inexperienced person yank your vehicle with a strap—can turn a minor slip into a major repair.

At Darrah’s Towing, we’ve been a leader in towing and recovery for years. We’ve helped drivers pulled from snowy ditches, icy shoulders, rural roads, parking lots, driveways, and steep embankments. This guide will give you practical, real-world steps to stay safe, attempt smart recovery when appropriate, and know exactly when it’s time to call a tow truck.

First Priority: Safety (Before You Touch the Gas)

When you’re stuck, the “fight or flight” response kicks in. Most people immediately try to power out. That’s understandable—but not always safe.

Step 1: Turn on hazard lights and stay aware of traffic

• Switch on your hazard flashers immediately.

• If you’re near traffic, stay inside with your seatbelt fastened until it’s safe to exit.

• If visibility is low (snow, fog, night), assume approaching drivers may not see you in time.

Step 2: Check for injuries and vehicle danger

• Make sure everyone in the car is okay.

• Look for signs of danger: leaking fluids, smoke, unusual smells.

• If you hit something before entering the ditch (guardrail, mailbox, another vehicle), treat it like an accident and call for help.

Step 3: Choose a safe place to wait if needed

If you must exit, do so on the side away from traffic and stand well off the roadway—preferably behind a barrier. Never stand directly in front of or behind a vehicle that might move suddenly.

Statistic: Many roadside injuries happen after the initial incident, not during it. Vehicles stopped on shoulders or partially in the roadway create a serious risk of secondary collisions—especially in poor weather and low visibility. That’s why safety and visibility come first.

Understand What “Stuck” You Actually Are

Not all stuck situations are equal. Before you try any recovery, take 30 seconds to assess:

• Are your tires spinning freely, or are you high-centered (vehicle belly resting on snow)?

• Are you in a shallow ditch you can roll out of, or is your vehicle at a steep angle?

• Are you stuck because of traction, or because a tire is wedged against a curb, snowbank, or ditch edge?

• Is your vehicle blocking traffic or positioned dangerously close to the roadway?

If your car is high-centered, angled sharply, or near traffic, the safest option is usually professional recovery.

What NOT to Do When You’re Stuck (Avoid These Costly Mistakes)

1) Don’t floor the gas

Spinning tires aggressively can:

• Dig you deeper into snow or mud

• Overheat and damage the transmission

• Burn through traction control systems

• Shred tires and throw debris

A controlled approach is almost always better.

2) Don’t let someone “yank” your car with a strap or chain

This is one of the biggest causes of damage we see. Improper pulls can:

• Tear bumpers and suspension components

• Bend frames

• Snap tow hooks or straps (which can become dangerous projectiles)

• Cause further sliding into the ditch

If a recovery requires pulling force, it should be done correctly with proper attachment points and equipment.

3) Don’t stand in traffic or between vehicles

People often stand behind their car while someone tries to push. That’s dangerous—especially on icy surfaces where vehicles can slide suddenly.

4) Don’t turn traction control off without understanding why

Some vehicles benefit from traction control being turned off during recovery, while others do better with it on. Guessing can make things worse. If you’re unsure, stay cautious and avoid aggressive spinning.

Safe Recovery Tips You Can Try (If Conditions Are Low-

Risk)

If you’re in a safe location and your vehicle is only lightly stuck, these steps may help.

Tip 1: Straighten the wheels

Turn the steering wheel so your tires point straight in the direction you want to go. If your wheels are turned sharply, you’re more likely to dig into the edge of the ditch or snowbank.

Tip 2: Clear snow from around the tires

If you have a small shovel (or even a sturdy scraper), clear packed snow from:

• In front of drive tires

• Under the front bumper area if it’s packed

• Under the vehicle if you’re high-centered (as much as you can safely reach)

Even a few minutes of clearing can make a huge difference.

Tip 3: Use gentle rocking—carefully

This works best for light snow and flat ground.

• Shift from drive to reverse slowly (automatic vehicles)

• Use light throttle to move a few inches back and forth

• Build momentum gradually

Stop if:

• You smell something burning

• Wheels spin without moving the vehicle

• You dig deeper each attempt

Tip 4: Add traction under the tires

If you have any of the following, place them in front of the drive tires:

• Sand or cat litter

• Traction mats

• Floor mats (only if you can do it safely and retrieve them later)

• Small pieces of cardboard (short-term help)

Be careful: floor mats can sometimes slide or get pulled under the vehicle. If you use them, use minimal throttle.

Tip 5: Lower tire pressure slightly (only in specific situations)

This can increase the tire’s surface area in snow, but it’s not always ideal and should be done cautiously. Lowering pressure too much can damage the tire or cause it to unseat. If you don’t have a gauge and a way to reinflate, skip this step.

When to Call a Tow Truck (Don’t Wait Too Long)

Knowing when to stop DIY attempts is key. Call a tow truck immediately if:

1) You’re stuck in or near traffic

If your vehicle is partially in the roadway or on a narrow shoulder, it’s not worth the risk of staying exposed.

2) You’re in a ditch at a steep angle

A vehicle angled in a ditch can slide farther or tip with the wrong movement. Recovery requires controlled pulling and stabilization.

3) You’re high-centered

If the underside of your vehicle is resting on packed snow or ice, spinning tires won’t help much. Recovery often needs lifting and pulling.

4) Your wheels are damaged or you hit something

If you struck a curb, rock, or embankment and now the steering feels off, the safest move is a tow. Driving on a damaged suspension or bent wheel can cause more damage.

5) You’re out of time, cold, or stressed

Cold weather can become dangerous quickly, especially if you’re waiting without proper gear. If you’re unsure, it’s better to call.

6) You smell burning or notice mechanical warnings

Spinning tires repeatedly can overheat components. If you smell something odd or see warning lights, stop and call.

At Darrah’s Towing, we’d rather you call early and stay safe than push your luck and end up in a worse situation.

What to Tell the Tow Company to Speed Up Recovery

When you call for a recovery, you’ll get faster help if you can share:

• Your exact location (nearest address or cross street)

• Whether you’re in snow, a ditch, mud, or ice

• If the vehicle is blocking traffic

• The type of vehicle (car, SUV, truck, van)

• Whether it’s all-wheel drive

• If there’s visible damage

• If you’re safe and inside the vehicle

• Road conditions (ice, deep snow, low visibility)

These details help the operator bring the right equipment and plan the safest approach.

A Real Testimony From the Road

Here’s what one driver shared after a winter recovery:

“I slid into a ditch during a snowstorm and didn’t know what to do. Darrah’s Towing showed up with the right equipment, kept everything calm, and recovered my vehicle without any extra damage. The driver explained what was happening and made sure I was safe the whole time. I went from panicked to relieved in minutes.”

This is exactly why experience matters. In winter recovery, the goal isn’t just getting the vehicle out—it’s doing it safely and correctly.

Why Darrah’s Towing Is the Trusted Choice for Snow and Ditch Recovery

Snow recovery isn’t the same as a basic tow. It involves:

• Proper assessment of angles and traction

• Secure attachment points to avoid damage

• Controlled winching techniques

• Safety planning around traffic and icy conditions

• Protecting your vehicle while getting it back on stable ground

Darrah’s Towing has been a leader in towing for years because we know how to handle tough recoveries with professionalism and care. We treat every situation like it matters—because to you, it does.

Winter Preparedness: What to Keep in Your Vehicle

A little preparation can turn a stressful situation into a manageable one. Consider keeping:

• Small shovel

• Cat litter or traction aid

• Blanket and gloves

• Flashlight

• Phone charger

• Water and snacks

• Reflective triangles or flares

Even if you still need a tow, these items can keep you safe and comfortable while you wait.

Final Thoughts: Safety First, Then Smart Decisions

If you’re stuck in snow or a ditch, the best approach is:

1. Make yourself visible and safe

2. Assess whether a simple traction fix is reasonable

3. Avoid aggressive spinning and risky pulls

4. Call a professional tow truck when it’s unsafe or uncertain

Winter roads can humble anyone—new drivers and experienced ones alike. What matters most is getting home safely and preventing additional damage to your vehicle.

Need a Recovery or Tow? Call Darrah’s Towing

If you’re stuck in snow, sliding into a ditch, or unsure whether your vehicle can be driven safely, Darrah’s Towing is ready to help.

For free quote please reach out to us at https://www.darrahstowing.com/