Whether you're going across town or across the country, it's wise to plan your trip carefully. We have put together this article so you know what to do if your car breaks down or you run off the road during the winter months. If you are not prepared, you could suffer great injury or risk death. It may sound funny now, but every year you hear the horror stories on your local news and it may just be you this year.

When choosing your route in some cases it is much safer to travel a longer route versus a faster more direct route. Avoiding heavy traffic and bad roads with steep hills and treaturous twists and turns can reduce the chances of getting into an accident. When planning a long distance trip, make sure you have a current map as older ones may no longer be accurate. The most important thing to remember in winter conditions, ALWAYS give yourself plenty of time to reach your destination so leave early and if you do run late, it's better to arrive late than never. Aggressive driving not only puts your life in danger but it can also cause you to lose control of your car even if the road conditions seem favorable. Protect yourself and your family on the road by practicing defensive driving techniques.

Make sure you service your car before a trip. Check the condition of spark plugs, the air and fuel filters, battery connections, engine belts, tires, brakes, ignition system, cooling system as well as all fluid levels. Cold weather is hard on a vehicle, making the engine work harder to move the car down icy, snow-covered roads. A well-maintained vehicle is a important in the dead of winter, when a roadside breakdown can cause enormous inconvenience for you and your family and possibly place you in a dangerous situation.

BASIC WINTER EMERGENCY CAR KIT
Flashlights with extra batteries
First aid kit with pocket knife
Blankets or Sleeping bags
Newspapers for insulation
Plastic bags (for sanitation)
Matches
Small sack of sand for generating traction under wheels
Small shovel
Brightly colored cloth to use as a flag
Canned fruit and nuts
Nonelectric can opener
Bottled water

ITEMS YOU MAY WANT TO CONSIDER ADDING TO YOUR KIT
Necessary medications
Extra set of mittens, socks, and a wool cap
Rain gear and extra clothes
Small tools (pliers, wrench, screwdriver)
Booster cables
Set of tire chains or traction mats
Cards, games, and puzzles

IF TRAPPED IN CAR DURING A FREEZING TEMPERATURES
Stay in your car. If you do not have a cell phone or you can not get a signal, do not leave your car to search for assistance unless help is visible within 100 yards. You may become disoriented and lost if snow is blowing and drifting.

Display a trouble sign. Hang a brightly colored cloth on the radio antenna and raise the hood.

Occasionally run engine to keep warm. Turn on the car's engine for about 10 minutes each hour. Run the heater when the car is running. Also, turn on the car's dome light when the car is running.

Beware of carbon monoxide poisoning. Keep the exhaust pipe clear of snow, and open a downwind window slightly for ventilation.

Watch for signs of frostbite and hypothermia.

Do minor exercises to keep up circulation.

Clap hands and move arms and legs occasionally. Try not to stay in one position for too long. If more than one person is in the car, take turns sleeping.

For warmth, huddle together.

Use newspapers, maps, and even the removable car mats for added insulation.

Avoid overexertion. Cold weather puts an added strain on the heart. Unaccustomed exercise such as shoveling snow or pushing a car can bring on a heart attack or make other medical conditions worse. Be aware of symptoms of dehydration.

If frostbite or hypothermia is suspected, begin warming the person slowly and seek immediate medical assistance. Warm the person's trunk first. Use your own body heat to help. Arms and legs should be warmed last because stimulation of the limbs can drive cold blood toward the heart and lead to heart failure.

Put person in dry clothing and wrap their entire body in a blanket.

Never give a frostbite or hypothermia victim something with caffeine in it (like coffee or tea) or alcohol. Caffeine, a stimulant, can cause the heart to beat faster and hasten the effects the cold has on the body. Alcohol, a depressant, can slow the heart and also hasten the ill effects of cold body temperatures.