chapter 8 — emergency strategies Stranded or snowbound  warning! 123 Do you have the right  equipment for winter  conditions?  If you feel dizzy or drowsy  while your vehicle is  running, you may be  experiencing carbon  monoxide poisoning. Turn  off the engine and get  plenty of fresh air. If you decide to run the car to keep the interior warm, only  do this for about five minutes every hour. You must be very  cautious because the car could fill with carbon monoxide  gas. Carbon monoxide poisoning can cause dizziness or  drowsiness and even lead to death. Make sure you also check  that the exhaust pipe and exhaust system are not blocked or  damaged because this could cause increased leakage of carbon  monoxide into the car. Keep one window slightly open at all  times for fresh air. Make sure that at least one person stays  awake at all times. If you’re stranded in snow, stay with your vehicle unless you are  absolutely sure you can reach help.  • It’s extremely difficult to mount chains when you’re on a  hill. Instead use a designated chain‑up area. • Ease off the brakes and then re‑apply them to maintain  steering control if the wheels lock.  • Slow down before entering curves and corners. Braking  in curves may cause you to skid.  • Use a low gear to go down hills that are icy.  • Don’t use cruise control in icy or snowy driving conditions.  • Allow extra space margins (including more following  distance).  • Avoid passing unless absolutely necessary.  • Travel in the section of road with the least amount of snow  or ice if you have more than one lane you can travel in.  • Use a gentle, smooth steering motion.  CHAIN UP AREA E X IT