No one wants to think about being trapped in a vehicle in the snow for hours, but driving in snowy weather means taking precautions just in case.
Plan for the worst-case scenario when readying your car for winter by stocking up on basic survival supplies. Keep a snow shovel, broom and ice scraper inside the vehicle to combat heavy snow along with sand or cat litter, which help with traction if your car gets stuck, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recommends.
Other necessities include jumper cables and a flashlight as well as blankets and non-perishable snacks in case you're stuck overnight. A brightly colored bandanna or another material should be a staple as well. If you're snowbound, tie the cloth around your antenna to alert people that you need help; otherwise, your vehicle will just look like an abandoned car.
While you're outside, make sure that your exhaust pipe isn't buried in snow and at risk of trapping carbon monoxide fumes, and then get back in your vehicle. You may feel trapped in your car, but you'll be much safer inside than wandering around in the dark and on uncertain terrain where you could be injured.
If you can, use GPS on your phone to find your exact location before calling 911. It will be much easier for authorities to find you when they know where to look. You can also signal for help by honking your horn and flickering your lights, but make sure to avoid draining your battery by only honking and blinking when the engine is running.
Beware of keeping the engine on too long--you'll use up your fuel and risk being poisoned by carbon monoxide fumes. Even with a full tank of gas, the engine shouldn't run longer than 20 minutes each hour, the New York Daily News reported.
Above all, stay cool. Don't panic, and be careful not to get hot and sweaty while working over the car since wet clothing makes for poor insulation. You'll actually stay safer being cold and awake than getting warm from the vehicle's heat and falling asleep. Just make sure to keep your circulation moving by shifting around, huddling close to other passengers if you're not alone and occasionally taking off your shoes to rub your feet.
This is one set of winter driving tips that AutoWorldNews hopes you never have to use, but navigating snowy roads is a scenario where you should hope for the best but prepare for the worst.
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