Winter is a phenomenal time of year in Wood River, Alton, Bethalto, and Edwardsville, IL, especially if a fresh layer of snow covers everything. Winter can also be an extremely hazardous season. If you are thinking of traveling in the winter, it is good to be fully prepared for winter driving and to have winter car supplies in your vehicle.

1. Tips On Being Stranded In Snow
Winter is a phenomenal time of year in Wood River, Alton, Bethalto, and Edwardsville, IL,
especially if a fresh layer of snow covers everything. Winter can also be an extremely hazardous
season. If you are thinking of traveling in the winter, it is good to be fully prepared for winter
driving and to have winter car supplies in your vehicle. Unfortunately, being stranded along the
side of the road in harsh winter conditions is not uncommon. Stock Auto Body CARSTAR in
Wood River, Illinois has provided these tips to help you in case you ever find yourself in that
situation.
If You're Stuck While Driving In Winter:
1. Call 911. If you've got access to a mobile phone, call 911 to get assistance. Whenever you
talk to authorities, be prepared to:
 Describe the location, condition of your companions and the problem you are
experiencing.
 Listen for questions.
 Follow any instruction. You might be told you should stay where you are to assist
rescuers or to return to the scene.
 Don't hang up until you know whom you have spoken with and what will happen next.
2. Stay in your car. Walking in a storm can be quite risky. You can lose your way, wander out
of reach, become exhausted, collapse, and risk your life. Your vehicle itself is a good shelter.
3. Abstain from overexertion. Trying to push
your automobile, trying to jack it into a new
position or shoveling snow takes great effort
in storm conditions. You may risk heart attack
or another injury.
4. Relax and think. The storm will end and
you'll be located. Don't work enough to get
hot and sweaty. Wet clothing depletes
insulation quality making you more
vulnerable to the effects of hypothermia.
5. Keep clean air in your car. It's a lot better to be chilly or cold and conscious than to be
comfortably warm and slide into unconsciousness. Freezing-wet or wind driven St. Louis area
snow can easily plug your automobile's exhaust system causing dangerous carbon monoxide gas
to get in your automobile.
6. Don't run the engine unless you are certain the exhaust pipe is totally free of snow or other
objects. Keep your radiator free from snow to stop the engine from getting too hot. Run the
engine at ten minute intervals for heat.

2. 7. Switch on the dome light after dark, but only when running the engine.
8. Keep your blood circulating freely by loosening tight clothes, changing positions regularly,
and moving your legs and arms. Huddle close to one another. Rub your hands together or stick
them under your armpits or in between your legs. Take off your shoes or boots occasionally and
rub your feet.
9. Don't expect to be comfortable. The goal is to survive until you are found.
10. Make yourself visible to rescuers. Tie a bright cloth to your antenna or door handle.
When you get free from danger, your vehicle may have some cosmetic or internal damage. If so,
consider taking your automobile to Stock Auto Body CARSTAR in Wood River, Illinois. They
have auto body experts ready to handle any damage that your car might have incurred.