Travel Tips & Trends

Stranded in your car! What to do?

If you break down in winter weather and are stranded in the vehicle for any length of time, remember these useful safety tips while waiting for help to arrive. Remember that you can call the roadside assistance dispatcher for advice if you feel unsafe for any reason. AAA call takers will always ask if you feel safe while waiting. If you don't, say so!

Stay in your car with your seatbelt on. When roads are slick and visibility is poor, this is the safest place to wait. Wearing a seatbelt in a parked car may seem like an unnecessary precaution, but could be the deciding factor in preventing an injury if another vehicle slides into yours.

Stay warm and dry. Keep a blanket and extra warm clothes in your car in winter, along with some non-perishable food and a bottle of water. If you have enough gas, run your engine and heater for a few minutes every hour. First, check to make sure the exhaust pipe isn't blocked with snow or mud.

Get a little fresh air. Keep one window open just a crack, in case doors and windows freeze.

No phone? It's wise to carry a prepaid cell phone in the vehicle year-round for emergencies. (Don't use it while driving!) But if you don't have any other way to call for help, set flares or a reflective triangle outside your car. Tie a bright-colored cloth or rag to your antenna, or hang one out of a side window, to help rescuers spot you.

For a complete list of recommended items every vehicle should carry in winter, go to www.AAA.com and click on "Safety" in the top menu.