Surviving in Your Car During Winter
Ice storms and highway closures can leave drivers stuck for hours. Knowing what to do while you wait, and having a few supplies on hand, makes a real difference.
Auto · Originally published January 8, 2015 · Updated November 2026
Most winter trips in southwest Missouri end with nothing worse than a slow commute. But ice storms can shut down stretches of I-44 or US-65, and a slide off a rural two-lane can leave you waiting a long time for help. If you ever get stranded, staying calm and staying put are usually your best moves.
Stay with your car
Your vehicle is shelter, and it's much easier for rescuers to find than a person walking in the cold. Unless you can see a safe building close by, stay inside.
- Call for help. Dial 911 if you're in danger or blocking traffic. Tell them your highway, direction and the nearest mile marker or exit if you know it.
- Make yourself visible. Turn on your hazard lights. If snow or ice is falling, tie something brightly colored to the antenna or door handle.
- Stay buckled if you're near traffic. If you're stopped on or near the roadway, being hit by another sliding car is a real risk.
Use your engine and heat carefully
Running the engine keeps you warm, but carbon monoxide is a serious danger.
- Clear the tailpipe of snow, ice or mud before running the engine. A blocked exhaust can push carbon monoxide into the cabin.
- Run the engine in short periods, such as about 10 minutes each hour, rather than nonstop. This saves fuel and lowers the risk.
- Crack a window slightly on the side away from the wind while the engine runs.
- Layer up between heater runs with blankets, coats and hats, and huddle together if you have passengers.
- Move your arms and legs to keep blood flowing, and drink water.
What to keep in your winter kit
A small bin in the trunk covers most situations:
- Blankets or a sleeping bag, plus hats and gloves
- Water and non-perishable snacks
- Flashlight with extra batteries
- Phone charger or a charged power bank
- Ice scraper and a small shovel
- Jumper cables
- Kitty litter or sand for traction
- Basic first aid supplies and any medications you need
- A brightly colored cloth to signal for help
The ready.gov site has more detail on emergency kits for your home and car.
Prevent the problem before you leave
- Check road conditions and the forecast before you head out, especially for longer trips toward Joplin, Rolla or Branson.
- Keep your gas tank at least half full in winter so you have fuel to run the heater if you're stuck.
- Tell someone your route and when you expect to arrive.
- If the forecast calls for freezing rain, the safest trip is often the one you postpone.
How your insurance can help
Getting stranded is stressful enough without a surprise bill afterward. A few coverages are worth understanding:
- Roadside assistance is an optional add-on on many policies. Depending on the company, it can help pay for towing, winching out of a ditch, jump starts and lockouts.
- Collision coverage generally pays for damage to your car if you slide off the road or into a guardrail.
- Comprehensive coverage generally pays for damage from things like ice-laden branches falling on your car.
- Liability coverage pays for damage you cause to others, which is the only part Missouri requires besides uninsured motorist coverage. See Missouri's 25/50/25 minimums explained.
If you're not sure what you carry, our auto coverage checkup is a quick way to find out. And if a winter crash does happen, our guide to car insurance rates after an accident explains what to expect.
Talk to a local agent
Want to add roadside assistance or review your coverage before winter travel? Call 417.865.4800 or visit our auto insurance page.
Common questions
Should I walk for help if my car gets stuck in winter?
Generally no, unless you can clearly see a safe building nearby. Your car is shelter and is easier for rescuers to spot.
Does roadside assistance cover getting pulled out of a ditch?
Many roadside assistance add-ons include winching or towing, but services and limits vary by company. Check your policy before you need it.
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Written by Auto Insurance Express. Reviewed by Philip Edwards, founder. Philip has run independent insurance agencies in southwest Missouri since 1997. More about the agency.
General information, not advice about your specific policy. Coverage, exclusions and eligibility are determined by the policy forms and endorsements your insurer issues, and state rules change. Confirm details with us before you rely on them.
