Getting into a car accident during a winter storm is never ideal. Especially if you up driving into a ditch. Well, that’s what happened to this man on his way to work after the snowfall from winter storm Fern.

“I’m minding my own business on my way to [explicative] workplace,” begins the frustrated TikTok video posted Tuesday by Dak (@nu3ra_dak), whose Chevy Silverado sits tilted in a snow-filled ditch.

Another driver had just run him off the road, leaving him stranded and asking what thousands of Americans wondered during last week’s deadly winter storm: “What do I even do now?”

The clip details what became a common occurrence during the recent winter storm: frustration with the ice and snow and figuring out how to get out of it.

Dak is panicked and understandably concerned.

How Does The Silverado Handle Driving In The Snow?

Dak is driving a Chevy Silverado, a vehicle typically known to be strong in his conditions, especially the four-wheel-drive models.

The Silverado offers multiple systems that let drivers adapt to changing conditions, from normal highway driving to, like Dak, being stuck in a snowbank. The Auto 4WD feature is recommended for unpredictable winter conditions, while 4WD High is specifically designed for snow and ice. 4WD Low, though, is exactly what Dak needed for maximum torque.

But you also need the proper tires, and you have to remember, having four-wheel-drive is good for these conditions, but it isn’t a guarantee for success. In one Chevy forum, an owner wrote, “I do know one thing four-wheel-drive is great for snow but if not used correctly it can make your situation worse by allowing you to get stuck worse.”

There is a snow/ice driving mode that helps maintain traction and stability, but if you’re being run off the road, this might not matter.

The Storm

The location isn’t known yet, but the snow in the short clip likely came from the historic winter storm Fern that just swept through most of America. Aside from 73 known deaths, and still hundreds of thousands without power, the storm ravaged the roadways in its path.

Dak’s situation on January 27 occurred during a widespread pattern of vehicles sliding off roads and getting stuck. There are thousands of videos all over social media showing similar instances. His experience of being run off the road into a ditch was typical of hundreds of similar incidents reported across multiple states and into Ontario, Canada. In Virginia alone, over 300 crashes were reported as of 9 p.m. Sunday.

Dak is in a frustrating and precarious predicament that’s likely happened dozens of times over this period. Go back to the question, what should a person do if they are stuck?

How To Get Out of a Ditch

First, you have to stay calm and turn on your hazard lights. Obviously, your vehicle in a ditch seems enough, but the lights will indicate a problem from a distance. It will help a police officer or someone in position to help you to recognize you.

If you can get out, check your exhaust pipe and clear out whatever snow and ice to prevent carbon monoxide buildup. Then, clear the snow from around your tires as safely but as completely as you can.

Remember not to just floor the gas, and use your ego to try and just power your vehicle out. If you’re not properly set up, you’re going to dig yourself even deeper. This can also tear up your transmission. If you have it available, put down kitty litter or sand, or even use your floor mats, to set up for traction.

If you can, turn off traction control because it prevents wheel spin, and get into the lowest gear possible. You’re going to want to gently rock the vehicle back and forth. Seeking nearby nearby help, should be done if available.

If you just can’t get the vehicle out safely or without damaging it, cut it off and call for help. This is what Dak eventually ended up doing, per the comments.

If you’re on a dangerous roadway, especially with a lot of precipitation or snow flying around, get out and go away from the vehicle and then call for road assistance or a tow truck.

Did Dak Get Out Of The Ditch Safely?

Dak revealed in the comments that a tow truck did come to the rescue. 

“Honestly call a tow company and they’ll come out and drag it out for you,” one TikTok commenter suggested. 

“That’s what ended up happening,” Dak replied back. 

The commenter inquired about the truck condition which unfortunately didn’t have the best news.

“That’s good to hear car make it out fine?” the commenter asked. 

“No,” Dak shares. 

Although the truck is damaged, it appears Dak made it out of the ditch safely.

MotorBiscuit reached out to Dak via TikTok comment and message, and to Chevrolet via email.

@nu3ra_dak This is why I prefer indoors#ditch #fyp #helpme #outdoors ♬ original sound – Dak