An emergency kit is useful any time of the year, but especially in winter months. Here are a few items you may want to keep in your car in case of an emergency on the side of the road:
- Blankets for warmth if your heater is inoperable and you must wait for assistance;
- Boots (if you aren't already wearing them) in case you must exit your vehicle after an accident or to get your vehicle unstuck;
- Extra washer fluid with antifreezing solution, extra engine oil, and extra coolant;
- A flashlight with extra batteries;
- A shovel;
- Jumper cables;
- Properly inflated spare tire;
- A bag of salt or kitty litter to help with traction when trying to get a vehicle unstuck;
- Flares to warn other drivers of your presence on the roadway; and
- A First Aid Kit.
Although winterizing your vehicle and properly clearing your vehicle of ice and snow are useful when trying to prevent an accident in the winter months, how you drive is probably the biggest factor to preventing accidents. If you must drive in snowy or icy conditions, be careful and use common sense.
SLOW DOWN when there is ice and snow on the roadways. Be aware of the possibility of black ice patches. Leave plenty of room between you and the car in front of you in case of sudden stops. Brake gently to avoid skidding. Turn on your headlights when using your wipers or on a dreary day to help other drivers see you better. Avoid using your cruise control on icy roads. If you drive a truck or SVU, don't assume your vehicle can handle the roadways better than any others. It is still possible for these vehciles to slide on ice and snow. If you do begin to skid and have anti-lock brakes, do NOT pump your brakes! Apply a steady pressure until your vehicle stops. If you have standard brakes and begin to slide, pump them gently to stop your vehicle. Do not try to drive through snow packed streets unless your vehicle is designed to do so to
prevent from getting stuck. It is also very important to give utility trucks that are either removing snow or treating the roadways for ice plenty of room. They are out there to try to help make the roads safer, so be aware of them and have some patience!
Hopefully these tips and tools will keep you or your loved one from experiencing a traffic accident this winter. However, accidents do happen! If you are involved in an accident, remember to get your vehicle off the roadway if possible. This will help to prevent further accidents from occurring behind you. You will need to notify the police in order to fill out a report. If there are injuries, call 911. Collect contact and insurance information from all drivers involved and be prepared to provide yours. If you find yourself in need of further
advice, contact a reputable attorney to assist you.
