What to do if you get trapped in your car during a snowstorm, according to experts

• Winter storms can be dangerous for drivers, especially if you get trapped in the snow while in your car.
• If your car gets stuck on the road, here's what to do and how to avoid danger.

Winter weather rolling in can make roads dangerous, covering streets in black ice and driving snow.

According to the US Department of Transportation, 1,300 people die every year — and another 116,800 are injured — because of crashes on snowy, slushy, or icy roads. Winter storms like blizzards can even trap drivers in their cars.

In January 2022, for example, thousands of motorists in Virginia were stranded on I-95 for over 24 hours after a handful of tractor-trailers crashed during a snowstorm. A survival expert told Insider's Kenneth Niemeyer at the time that people need food, water, and warmth to keep going.

Most people can do this "successfully without much pain as long as you stay warm," Chris Boyer, the executive director of the National Association for Search and Rescue, told Insider.

Here's what the National Weather Service recommends to do if you're driving in the snow — and how to survive if you get stuck.

If you have to drive, take precautions

The easiest step to avoid danger on wintry roads is to prepare in advance.

The NWS suggests clearing snow and ice from the car and telling someone the route you plan to take. You should also make sure your phone is fully charged and carry an emergency supplies kit — including things like water, snacks, a flashlight, and a first-aid kit — in the car.

If you have to drive, the NWS says to go slowly and keep calm if the car starts to skid. If visibility is low, experts suggest pulling over to the side of the road, turning off the lights so other cars won't follow you, and activating the parking brake.

But if your car does get stuck, however, here's what to do.

Stay in the car

You shouldn't leave your vehicle if you get stranded; it's better to stay inside instead of exposing yourself to the elements like snow, wind, and cold temperatures. The NWS recommends clearing snow from the exhaust pipe and running the car for 10 minutes every hour.

Keeping the car running in short bursts will let it heat up, letting you roll down the window just a bit to allow fresh air inside — and stop the car from filling with deadly carbon monoxide.

Keep an eye out for rescue crews

The NWS says if you're trapped, turn on the interior car light when running the engine, especially at night. You should tie a brightly colored cloth — preferably red — to the car's antenna or door handle, and once it's no longer snowing, open up the car's hood as a sign that you need help.