Car Slid Off the Road or Stuck in the Snow? What to Do First (Winch-Out & Emergency Towing Guide)

By Lucas & Nick, Brothers & Owners

Winter in Southwest Iowa and Omaha has a way of humbling even the most confident drivers. One minute the road looks “fine,” the next minute your tires lose traction and you’re staring at a ditch, snowbank, or guardrail wondering how that happened so fast.

We’re Lucas and Nick—brothers and owners of a towing company that spends a lot of time helping people out of winter messes. And if there’s one thing we’ve learned, it’s this:

What you do in the first five minutes matters.
It affects your safety, your car, and how easy (or expensive) the recovery ends up being.

This guide is your no-panic, straight-talk answer to:

• What to do first when you slide off the road

• When you need a winch-out service vs emergency towing

• What not to do (this is a big one)

• How to stay safe while help is on the way

Let’s walk through it.

First Things First: Stay Safe

Before you think about how to get unstuck, think about you.

Do this immediately:

• Turn on your hazard lights

• Take a breath (seriously)

• Stay in your vehicle unless it’s unsafe to do so

• Be aware of traffic and visibility

On icy winter roads, cars don’t stop well. Getting out of your vehicle on a busy road can be far more dangerous than staying inside with your seatbelt on.

Rule of thumb:
If traffic is nearby, visibility is poor, or conditions are worsening—stay in the car and wait for professional help.

What NOT to Do When You’re Stuck (Please Read This)

We see more damage caused in the minutes before someone calls us than during the actual recovery.

Here’s what not to do:

❌ Don’t spin your tires

Spinning tires dig you deeper into snow or ice and can:

• Burn up your transmission

• Destroy traction

• Turn a simple pull into a major recovery

❌ Don’t floor it

More gas ≠ more traction. It usually equals less control.

❌ Don’t let random passersby push aggressively

We appreciate good Samaritans—but uncoordinated pushing can:

• Cause sudden movement

• Send the vehicle sliding sideways

• Result in body damage or injuries

❌ Don’t try “just one more time”

That one last try is often what breaks something.

Sometimes the smartest move—and the cheapest—is calling early.

Winch-Out Service vs Emergency Towing: What’s the Difference?

This is one of the most common questions we get.

What Is a Winch-Out Service?

A winch-out is used when your vehicle is:

• Stuck in a ditch

• Slid off the road

• High-centered on snow or ice

• Partially off pavement

• Unable to move without assistance

Using a winch, we carefully pull your vehicle back onto stable ground without towing it away, assuming it can be driven afterward.

What Is Emergency Towing?

Emergency towing is needed when:

• The vehicle can’t be driven

• There’s mechanical damage

• A tire or axle is damaged

• The car won’t start

• It’s unsafe to continue driving

In these cases, your vehicle is loaded and transported to a safe location, shop, or destination of your choice.

Simple Way to Think About It

• Winch-out: Get you unstuck and back on the road

• Tow: Get your vehicle moved when it can’t continue

Signs You Need a Winch-Out

You likely need a winch-out if:

• One or more wheels are off the roadway

• Your car slid sideways into a ditch

• You’re stuck on ice and spinning

• The car is tilted or high-centered

• You’re buried in snow but otherwise undamaged

Trying to drive out of these situations often causes suspension or body damage. A controlled winch-out protects your vehicle.

What to Do While Waiting for Help

Once you’ve called for help, here’s how to make the wait safer and easier:

Stay warm

• Keep your coat on

• Use blankets if you have them

• Run the vehicle intermittently (if safe)

Preserve your phone battery

• Lower screen brightness

• Close background apps

• Use a charger if available

Be visible

• Keep hazard lights on

• If safe, turn wheels away from traffic

• Avoid standing outside unless directed

Communicate clearly

When you call, be ready to share:

• Your exact location

• Road name or nearest mile marker

• Direction of travel

• Vehicle type

This helps us reach you faster.

Why Winter Winch-Outs Are Different

Winter recoveries are not the same as dry-weather towing.

Snow, ice, frozen ground, and limited traction change everything:

• Vehicles slide unpredictably

• Anchoring points are limited

• Recovery angles matter more

• Safety risks are higher

This is why experience matters. A proper winter winch-out is slow, controlled, and methodical—not rushed or aggressive.

Common Winter Situations We See Around Omaha & Southwest Iowa

If you’re local, these will sound familiar:

• Sliding off I-80 during morning commutes

• Snow drifts on rural highways

• Gravel roads covered in ice

• Wind-packed ditches that look shallow (but aren’t)

• Overconfidence with AWD or 4WD

Winter doesn’t discriminate. We tow trucks, sedans, SUVs, and everything in between.

Can You Get Out on Your Own? (Honest Answer)

Sometimes—yes.

If:

• You’re lightly stuck

• You have traction aids (sand, kitty litter)

• You can rock gently without spinning

• You’re in a safe, low-traffic area

Then you may be able to get free.

But if:

• The car won’t move

• Tires spin immediately

• You’re sliding sideways

• The car is angled

Stop. Calling early usually saves money and prevents damage.

When to Call Emergency Towing Immediately

Call right away if:

• You’re in traffic or a dangerous location

• Visibility is poor

• The engine won’t run

• You smell burning or hear grinding

• A tire or axle is damaged

• Weather conditions are worsening

Your safety is worth more than pushing it.

Why Professional Winch-Outs Matter

Professional recovery means:

• Proper equipment

• Correct anchor points

• Controlled pulling

• Reduced damage risk

• Safety for you and others

We’re not just pulling—we’re planning the recovery.

Final Advice From Two Guys Who Do This Every Winter

Getting stuck happens. Even to good drivers. Especially in Midwest winters.

The key is:

• Stay calm

• Stay safe

• Don’t make it worse

• Call for help when it’s time

A smart decision early can turn a bad situation into a minor inconvenience instead of a major repair bill.

Need a Winch-Out or Emergency Tow?

We’re available 24/7 for winter winch-outs and emergency towing across Southwest Iowa and Omaha.

If you’re stuck, slid off the road, or just not sure what to do next—call. We’ll walk you through it and get you taken care of.

Stay safe out there. Winter’s just getting started.