While it's natural to want to help others in trouble, pulling a vehicle out of a ditch is dangerous and can easily cause damage to either vehicle. This is why it is illegal in many states. By attempting to pull another car out of a ditch, you are incurring serious liability for damage or injury, so you should only attempt it in an emergency. It is almost always a better idea to call a professional. Towing companies have million-dollar insurance policies and trucks with emergency lights and winches. They are the safe bet.
Position your vehicle so that it is on a surface that will provide traction, with the rear of the vehicle toward the stuck car. Be aware of traffic.
Hook a tow strap to a designated tow hook (if there is one) or other solid frame member of the stuck car. Then hook it to the trailer hitch or frame at the rear of the tow vehicle. According to the DieselPower website, you should not try to pull someone out with your truck in "Reverse," because pulling backwards puts tremendous stress on your front end and distributes virtually no weight to the rear axle for traction.
Instruct any bystanders to stand far to the side, not in front of or behind either vehicle, in case the vehicles slide or the strap breaks.
Instruct the driver of the stuck car (this should be the only person in the car) to start the engine, but to leave the car in “Neutral.” Instruct the driver to steer the car in the direction of the pull, and to be ready to use the brakes when the car comes unstuck. Put your vehicle in four wheel drive. Drive forward slowly to take the slack out of the strap.
Increase power gradually. If your wheels spin, back off and reposition the vehicle slightly. Once you break traction, you are not pulling efficiently. Be aware of oncoming traffic.
Stop, if the stuck car doesn’t come out. Taking further action may result in vehicle damage or in getting stuck yourself. Give the stuck driver a ride to safety and call a towing service.
