Preparing for Roadside Emergencies

Every car on the road should contain an emergency kit, but very few do. Does yours? If not, now is the perfect time to put one together. As the fall and winter creep upon us, making sure that you are prepared for an accident or any other emergency situation is as important as ever. Use this article as a sort of refresher on getting yourself prepared for anything the road can throw at you.

As you begin to prepare your kit, you will want to gather the essentials. A pair of jumper cables, a first-aid kit, flares, antifreeze, a blanket, and a flashlight are must-haves. You may also want to toss in extra fuses, a tire inflator, a tire pressure gauge, and a multi-purpose tool. Don’t forget a few bottles of water and some granola bars for yourself.

You may want to include more items, depending on where you live and how far you drive. Keep your items in a large cardboard box or a rubber tote in your trunk. They will be out of the way but within reach when you really need them. If it makes it easier for you, buy a pre-assembled roadside emergency kit, and put that in your trunk. It’s an easy way to make sure you are safe.

It is not enough to pack a good kit. You’ve got to know how to use the items you include. If there is any type of tool you aren’t familiar with using, practice. If you don’t know how to change a tire, have someone teach you. Not sure how to light a flare? Give it a go in your driveway. Your emergency equipment isn’t going to do a thing for you if you can’t figure out how to use it when you need it.

Keep in mind that no matter how good your kit, there are still other precautions to take should you have an emergency on the road. Pull off to the side when you can, and stay in your vehicle. Turn your flashers on to signal that you need help or, if the sun is still shining, raise your hood.

Never accept a ride to any location from a passing motorist. Instead, politely decline. While there are still good Samaritans out there, there are also people who have nothing but bad intentions. Stay safe and ask the person to call for help if that’s what you need.

Clearly, this is not an all-encompassing guide to staying safe during an emergency, but it should serve as a reminder. The better prepared you are to handle a situation, the more likely you will have a positive outcome.

If you have been injured in a car accident, call our personal injury attorneys today. We are here for you and will fight to get you the compensation you deserve. Call us today for a free case evaluation.