Sometimes we find ourselves in unexpected situations. And when an emergency occurs, it’s best to be as prepared as possible. You can prepare yourself for a driving emergency by taking a
defensive driving course
But how do you prepare for having to stay overnight in your car?
One such emergency is being stranded in a car overnight. It’s estimated that about 70 percent of winter weather deaths occur in cars, so it can be a very dangerous situation if you’re not equipped to handle it. So just in case you ever find yourself in such a situation, it’s important to know what to do. Here are some tips for spending the night in the car.
1. Don’t try to Stay On the Go
If the reason you are forced to stop is extreme weather, such as a blizzard, it is important that you do not continue in hazardous weather if your car is not equipped for it. And once you’ve pulled over, don’t try to walk anywhere, as this could put you in a worse situation than the one you started with; You could get lost, be stranded, or even suffer serious damage to your health.
2. Find a Safe Stop
If you can, try to find a roadside motel to stay at. Alternatively, find a gas station, rest area, or other location. If you can’t spend the night in these places, you can at least find a safe place to park overnight. However, if you find yourself in this situation, you will likely have no choice but to pull over no matter where you are.
3. Don’t Let Your Car Run
There are many dangers associated with leaving your car running all night. Carbon Monoxide Poisoning is just one of the most serious dangers. However, it can be very cold and dangerous if you try to go all night without heating. Make sure the exhaust pipe is clear of snow, and the car is well ventilated, and start it at 15-20 minute intervals. Among other things, staying warm with blankets, clothing, and other layers.
4. Keep Moving
Keep your blood circulating by moving as much as possible. You can clap your hands, stretch your legs, or tap your feet to keep the blood flowing. Try keeping yourself busy by reading or eating a snack.
5. Prepare
Be prepared for situations like this by including an emergency kit in your car. It should have storage for food, water, first aid kit, flashlight, books and blankets. This will help prepare you for this rare situation. Another way you can prepare is to take a defensive driving course, to improve your driving skills and help you drive more safely in dangerous weather.
