What do you do if your vehicle is trapped on a slippery or sandy road? What is the physics involved?
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Driving on a country road should be attempted only with a four-wheel drive. However, if you do get stuck in deep sand or mud, avoid unnecessary panic and temptation to drive your way out of the mud or sand because excessive spinning of your tyres will most likely just dig you into a deeper hole. Momentum is the key to getting unstuck from sand or mud. One method is the rocking method-rocking your car backwards and forwards to gain momentum. Your best option is usually to gain traction and momentum by wedging a car mat (or sticks, leaves, gravel or rocks) in front and under your drive wheels. Once you start moving, keep the momentum going until you are on more solid terrain.
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