Too many people DIED by leaving their stranded cars - be it in snow or in desert - I am very surprised that being an Editor of an online magazine, he should be at least a man who read a lot - there is no lack of information like what one should do in situation like this.
He may feel obligated to try to find help - but unfortunately, in cruel reality, he and his family both would have a much better chance should all of them stay together in their car.