It is almost always safer to stay in the car in this kind of accident. Especially with the cold, the only way to stay warm was to be in the car so that's what I did. My car was operable but after a bit it stopped working. Luckily had a blanket given by the EMS. This just taught me that I should always keep a blanket and possibly another set of clothes and some water in the car at all times. Just in case.