In case of a roadside emergency, be prepared.
Roadside Safety Kits
Be prepared for an emergency on the road. Only 34% of people carry a roadside safety kit in their vehicle. You never know when something is going to go wrong while you are driving. Unfortunately, accidents happen and cars do sometimes break down. That is why it pays to be prepared and always carry a roadside safety kit in your vehicle. Whether it's a flat tire, a break down, an accident or coming to the aid of another stranded motorist, you'll be glad you made the investment.
Auto safety kits come in different shapes and sizes. They are usually available at your local auto parts store and most are very affordable. The kit you see here has an air compressor powered by your lighter socket. It also contains a flashlight with a signal flasher, jumper cables, triangular hazard warning reflectors and a first aid kit.
For flat tires, it has a lug nut wrench and various size sockets. It even comes with a small collapsible shovel to help you dig out if you get stuck. Other common sense items that should be included in the kit are:
- Windshield washer fluid
- chocolate (important if you are diabetic)
- water
- blanket
- call police sign
- Old cell phone (can still dial 911 even if it isn’t hooked up to a service.) Don’t forget the charger though!
Here’s another tip, if you are broken down on the side of the road you should sit in the passenger seat! It gives the appearance to a potential “bad” person that someone has gone to get help for you. You might also want to put your cell phone up to your ear so it looks like you are talking to someone.
Discuss ICE (In Case of Emergency)
In your cell phone, program who your emergency contact is in case you have an accident and you are unconscious. The paramedic will go through your cell phone and look for your ICE contact. I.e. ICE Joe Smith – 555-0111. It’s a good idea to program a couple of ICE contacts into your phone.
It pays to be prepared for the worst, because you never know when something's going to go wrong, or if someone else will need your help out on the road.
