Can you transport a person whose car ran out of gas in a very cold night to the gas station?

• A. No
• B. Yes
• C. Yes, but only with supervisor approval
• D. Only if the gas station is within a 5-minute drive

Answer: (B)

In cold conditions, the key idea is to prevent exposure and protect life. When a civilian’s car has run out of gas on a very cold night, offering a ride to a nearby gas station so they can obtain fuel and warmth is a prudent, protective action that aligns with a patrol officer’s duty to assist those in distress. The best choice recognizes that safety comes first and that you can help without unnecessary delays, provided you can do so safely and within policy.

Think through the practical steps: confirm the other person wants help, secure consent, use seat belts, ensure your vehicle can safely handle the short trip, and consider how you’ll assist once you reach the gas station. If doing so minimizes the person’s risk of hypothermia or other cold-related harm, it’s the right move.

The other options fall short because refusing help leaves someone in danger, requiring supervisor approval in every case can delay critical aid, and a strict 5-minute drive rule unnecessarily limits timely assistance in real emergencies.