Accident Preparation – These Items Should Be In Your Car

Everyone knows a car accident can occur anytime anywhere, but they always seem to happen at the most inopportune times. If you are unfortunate enough to be stranded in a ditch during a snowstorm while waiting for assistance, you definitely need to be prepared for the worst.

The number one item on anybody’s emergency items list should always be a cell phone. Even if you don’t want to pay for one on a contractual basis, you have the option of purchasing a prepaid phone and loading it with minutes only as you need them. No matter what, you always need to carry a cell phone with you when you are traveling long distances, especially in rural areas where you run the risk of being isolated during an emergency.

Other than a cell phone, you should enroll with an emergency roadside service provider such as AAA. Keep your membership card in a convenient location inside your vehicle because if you find yourself in a jam, they will be able to:

Change a flat tire.
Tow you to your house or a repair shop.
Remove your keys that were locked in the car.
Provide updates on weather and road conditions.
Offer turn-by-turn driving directions.

If you never were taught how to change a tire independently, the time is to learn is now. You should always carry a spare tire in your trunk with a jack and a wrench. If there is not much space between traffic traveling in the right lane and your parked car, do not attempt to change a tire; the risk of someone running you over is too great.

In case of a medical emergency, always store a standard first aid kit in your vehicle that is readily accessible. This contains materials that can be utilized to stop bleeding or soothe burns while an ambulance is on the way. It is also a good idea to keep medication for bee stings and a general guide to first along with CPR instructions.

Additional items that should be kept in your vehicle include:

Portable tool set containing wrench, wire cutters, screwdrivers, and tape
Jumper cables
Gas canister
Water (for radiator)
Fire extinguisher
Hand cleaner powerful enough to remove grease
Road flares or reflective triangles
Bright-colored flag to warn others of a broken down vehicle
Rags or paper towels
Blankets (preferably light-colored)
Nonperishable food
Flash light with spare batteries
Motor oil
Flat tire repair kit
Pocket utility knife

Useful pointers

If your vehicle is broken down along the road, do not sit inside the car until help arrives. Another driver could veer of course and run into you from behind.

If you are stranded in your car during cold weather, clear your exhaust pipe of snow or any other foreign objects before running the heater to stay warm. If the tailpipe is blocked, toxic fumes will seep into the cabin.

Don’t be too friendly to strangers who approach your car. Lock the doors and roll up the windows in case they have other intentions. If they offer to help you, just ask them to call the authorities or emergency services. If you have already contacted someone, tell them you’ve taken care of it and appreciate their kindness. For more information