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QUINCY, IL -- There's no doubt winter weather is here, and the season doesn't officially start until Sunday.  Icy and wet conditions like Friday can make road traveling dangerous.

In instant, your car could be in a ditch, or you could have an accident, leaving you stranded on the side of the road waiting for help. If it happens to you, there are some things you should know.

Trooper Mike Kindhart with the Illinos State Police says the best thing to do is to stay in your car.

"it's better to stay in the car, even in the ditch or on the side of the road because of the traffic that's coming," Kindhart said.

Kindhart says if you can't wait inside your car, make sure you stand far enough from the highway. Kindhart also told me never to pull over on a bridge or next to a guardrail, because that creates no way out.

"You're always looking for the safest place to be, whether it be for the officer trying to assist you, or be it yourself...your better off to be away from those types of situations. It gives you a way to get to either the ditch or get away from a car that may be skidding out of control towards you," says Kindhart.

Kindhart also says you should always stay visible on the side of the road so passing cars can see you. And if you're driving and notice a car pulled off to the side, change lanes and reduce your speed.

Kindhart says Illinois State Police have "send help cards" available to keep to put in your car windows if you get stranded.  You can print them atwww.isp.state.il.us or stop by Illinois State Police headquarters to pick them up.

It's always good to be prepared, below is a list of items you should carry in your car when you travel long distances.

-Tools, jack, lug wrench

-Shovel

-Bottled water

-Road maps

-Extra warm clothes, boots, hat and gloves

-Ice scraper and snow brush

-Cell phone and car adapter

-Flashlight with fresh batteries

-First aid kit

-Matches or lighter

-Battery jumper cables

-Extra food

-Blanket/sleeping bag(s)

-Paper towels

-Pocket knife

-Extra washer fluid