When winter weather turns severe, drivers can face dangerous road conditions. AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety research indicates that adverse weather and hazardous roads factor into more than 2,000 road deaths annually.

AAA encourages drivers to follow directions from local authorities and, whenever possible, stay home during winter storms. Even after a storm passes, limiting road traffic can help emergency crews perform their jobs safely and efficiently. If you must travel, check the weather conditions for your route before hitting the road.

Should your car get stuck in deep snow and help is not visibly within walking distance, you could find yourself stranded for a while. The following precautions can keep you safe until conditions improve or emergency assistance arrives.

Stay in your vehicle.

Exposure to wind-driven snow and cold can quickly disorient you. Furthermore, getting lost or hit by another car while walking in a heavy snowstorm becomes a risk.

Your vehicle provides temporary shelter while making it easier for rescuers to locate you. Stay in your car and, if possible, call 911.

Don’t attempt to dig out from the snow.

Avoid overexerting or injuring yourself by struggling to free your car from the snow. However, clear any snow or ice from the exhaust pipe to keep deadly carbon monoxide from entering the vehicle when the engine is running.

Run the motor sparingly.

Run the engine and heater for about ten minutes each hour—just long enough to remove the chill and conserve gasoline. And while running the motor, crack open a window to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.

Stay visible to rescuers.

To signal distress, secure a red or other brightly colored cloth to the antenna or top of a rolled-up window. In the dark, turn on the dome light to make it easier for rescuers to see you—it only uses a small amount of electricity.

Once the snow stops falling, raising the hood alerts others that you need assistance.

Come prepared.

AAA recommends that all drivers keep an emergency kit in their vehicles, especially during the winter. A well-stocked emergency kit includes the following:

• A cell phone car charger
• A flashlight and extra batteries
• Reflective or warning triangles for displaying outside the vehicle
• A first-aid kit
• Bottled water and non-perishable food for travelers (and pets)
• Ice scraper or snow brush and shovel
• Gloves, extra warm clothing, hats, and blankets

For more winter driving tips, visit the AAA website.