Perhaps no travel experience could be scarier that to find yourself driving into a snowstorm or blizzard. If you get stuck, do you stay in the vehicle? Or do you give in to that panicky urge and try to make a run for it? Experts in these matters say there are no two ways about it: The only safe thing to do is stay in your vehicle.

Nothing is easier or more dangerous than getting lost in the whiteout conditions of blowing and drifting snow during a blizzard.

Your car is shelter, and you are more likely to be found in it than out of it.

Here are some tips:

• Keep the vehicle's dome light on to make it more visible for rescuers.
• Watch out for carbon monoxide, the odorless exhaust gas that is poisonous. Run the car's engine and heater only as often as you need to. Make sure that a downwind window is open for ventilation and don't let snow block the exhaust pipe.
• Move around in the car, changing positions once in a while and doing a little exercise, like clapping your hands and moving your arms and legs.
• If you're alone, try to stay awake as long as possible. If you are not alone, sleep in shifts, keeping one person watching for help.