Tommy'sRoad RescueCall live dispatch816-588-8888Cold, snow, and ice breakdown guide
Call live Kansas City dispatch at 816-588-8888 for current availability.
Snow, ice, wind, low visibility, and dangerous cold can turn an ordinary breakdown into a medical and traffic emergency. This guide covers winter preparation and the first decisions after stopping; it does not replace 911, official road closures, or live scene instructions.
Review the forecast and the current Missouri or Kansas traveler map for closures, incidents, and road conditions. Postpone nonessential travel when the route is unsafe, and tell someone the route and expected arrival when winter conditions are deteriorating.
If the vehicle can safely reach a shoulder, parking area, or other place away from moving traffic, avoid abrupt braking or steering on ice. If it stops in an active lane, on a blind curve, or in another immediate danger, call 911 and follow the call-taker's instructions.
Use appropriate warning lights and visible markers only when they can be used without stepping into traffic. Snow can obscure the vehicle and road edge. Do not stand behind the vehicle, walk along a high-speed shoulder, or attempt a repair where approaching drivers may lose control.
NHTSA advises a stranded winter driver to stay with the vehicle, avoid overexertion, keep the exhaust pipe clear of snow, and run the engine only sporadically for warmth. Never run a vehicle in an enclosed space, and call 911 for suspected carbon-monoxide exposure, medical distress, fire, smoke, or another immediate danger.
Report Missouri or Kansas, road and direction, nearest exit or cross street, shoulder or lane, a safe map pin, vehicle color, snow depth, surface condition, visibility, temperature exposure, passengers, and whether the vehicle starts, rolls, steers, brakes, and shifts.
Live dispatch must confirm the request, estimate, current availability, and assignment. Call again if police arrive, the vehicle moves, snow blocks access, the roadway closes, a passenger's condition changes, or another provider resolves the problem.
NHTSA recommends items such as a shovel, broom, ice scraper, abrasive material, jumper cables, flashlight, warning devices, first-aid kit, blankets, charged phone, water, food, and necessary medicine.
Check manufacturer-recommended tire pressure, tire condition, battery and charging system, lights, defrosters, wipers, winter washer fluid, coolant, and fuel or traction-battery charge before severe weather.
Account for children, older adults, pets, medications, mobility needs, cold-sensitive conditions, warm layers, and a safe shelter that can be reached without crossing traffic.
Road name, direction, exit, shoulder, bridge or ramp, snowfall or ice, visibility, plow activity, closure status, wind exposure, and a safe static map pin.
NHTSA advises stranded winter drivers to stay with the vehicle, but the actual scene controls. Fire, smoke, rising water, an unstable position, likely impact, or emergency instructions may require moving to a protected place. Do not cross active lanes.
NHTSA advises keeping the exhaust pipe clear of snow and running the engine only sporadically—long enough to stay warm—to reduce carbon-monoxide risk. Never run it in an enclosed space, and seek emergency help for symptoms or unsafe conditions.
Give the exact location and direction, shoulder or lane, road surface, snow depth, visibility, temperature exposure, passengers, vehicle condition, tire or battery issue, keys, and whether the vehicle can roll, steer, brake, or shift.
No. A map is one planning input and may change after you view it. Follow posted closures, law enforcement, transportation personnel, and current weather information, and postpone nonessential travel when conditions are unsafe.
Federal guidance on winter vehicle preparation, emergency supplies, visibility, cold exposure, and carbon-monoxide precautions.
Kansas transportation guidance for reduced visibility, slick roads, safe speed, following distance, and pulling clear when possible.
Current Missouri road conditions, incidents, work zones, closures, and cameras where available.
Current Kansas road conditions, incidents, closures, cameras, and construction information.
External resources are provided for convenience. Tommy's is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or acting on behalf of those organizations.
If anyone is injured, in immediate danger, facing a fire or hazardous spill, or blocking an active traffic lane, call 911 first. Move only when you can do so without entering traffic or increasing the danger.
Call live dispatch. An online form or email does not dispatch a truck.