Emergency Supplies to Keep in Your Car

You likely do everything you can to drive safely. After all, being a safe driver leads to cheaper car insurance premiums, fewer injuries, fewer headaches and an all-around sense of pride. However, the unexpected can and sometimes does happen to even the best drivers. Keeping an emergency kit in your car is a great idea for this very reason.

Some Statistics

First and foremost, it is important to note that some very recent studies suggest that only about 5% of American drivers carry all of the recommended emergency supplies in their vehicles. This may be a bit shocking, but another 96% claimed that they carried what they would consider to be the ‘bare minimums’ or the tools necessary for changing a flat tire and jumping the battery. Finally, about 38% of the people who carry these supplies state that they check to make sure that they are working properly at least once a year – and some check them out twice per year for safety.

What You Need

Snow is a rarity in the warm Florida climate, but that doesn’t mean that drivers shouldn’t be prepared for the worst. After all, the recent polar vortex that swept down from the north placed a big chill on most of the state, and this caused some traffic trouble in places where standing water froze overnight. Highway safety experts recommend that motorists carry all of the following in the trunks of their vehicles: a hazard triangle or road flares, a first aid kit, jumper cables, a windshield scraper, a spare tire (preferably a real wheel and tire rather than a ‘donut’), blankets and a change of warm clothing, high-calorie food that won’t spoil, road salt or cat litter, a brightly colored distress flag, candles, flashlights, and a lighter.

What You Don’t Need

One of the biggest mistakes that people tend to make is loading their vehicles down with items that cannot be properly restrained. When possible, all ‘loose’ items within the vehicle should always be stored in the trunk. Think of it this way: if you’re involved in an accident at even a moderate rate of speed, all of the loose items inside your vehicle essentially become projectiles. This increases the likelihood that injuries will be sustained. Only keep essential items inside the car and put the rest in the trunk.

What to Do if You Get Stranded

If you find yourself stranded at the side of the road, there is no need to panic. First of all, turn on your vehicle’s hazard lights if possible. If you have access to your phone, dial 911 and describe your location as closely as you can. You should never leave your vehicle unless you smell gasoline or there is a fire; help will come to you. Finally, make sure that you drink plenty of fluid and continue to assess your situation. Sparingly use the radio, air conditioner or heat in order to conserve fuel, and be sure to turn a light on inside the car at night (or use a flashlight or candle) so that help can find you.

While everyone strives to drive safely, there is no denying that accidents and Mother Nature sometimes just happen. As such, keeping the right supplies inside of your car and removing the things you don’t need can go a long way to protect you.