A collision, especially when someone gets injured, is a road scenario every driver dreads as well as their car breaking down where help is not close by. We have already outlined what you need to do after you get in an accident, but there are also certain ways to be prepared for an emergency situation.
The best way to prepare is to make sure you have the following things in your car:
1) Basic first aid kit
The contents of your first aid kit will depend on your needs. If you are currently on medication for an illness, you should have a few doses readily available in your kit. Other first aid items to gather include:
- Bandages
- Single-use ice packs
- Disposable wet wipes
- Sterile gauze
- Skin disinfectant such as 70% isopropyl alcohol
- Hand sanitizer
- Surgical tape
- Sterile latex gloves
- Thermometer
- Cotton balls
- Scissors
- Tourniquet to stop bleeding, or for fastening a splint to the body
2) Food and water
Have something to eat in case you get hungry. Include a can of cookies, or a few biscuits, and bottled water.
3) Phone charger
A device-charging cord is a crucial item in your kit. With it, you can charge your mobile phone conveniently while driving. If you get lost, the GPS tracker can help you figure out where you are or how to get to where you need to go. Keep a phone charger so you can also call for help.
4) Jumper cables
Jumper cables are used to connect your car’s dead battery to another battery source to charge it. To prevent battery explosions, make sure to first connect the jumper cables to the dead battery before connecting them to the good one.
5) An umbrella or rain poncho
This is so you do not get drenched when you need to change tires in the rain.
6) Blankets
Blankets will keep you warm during cold nights when you are stuck on the road without fuel and have to wait for help.
7) A flashlight and extra batteries
Most mobile phones are equipped with flashlight apps, but they are not created for poking around hot engines or searching for something under your car. A flashlight emits more light and is more durable than a phone.
8) Flares or reflectors
Flares or reflective triangles warn incoming traffic of an emergency situation. They create a protective “safety zone” around your disabled vehicle.
9) Spare tire
Keep your spare tires in the best shape possible. An article we have previously written explains when it’s time to change your tires.
10) Tire sealant
A foam sealant is an inexpensive way to quickly plug a leak without changing the tire and gives you just enough time to get you to the nearest auto repair shop.
11) Duct tape
A duct tape is a cheap and quick fix-it solution, such as when you temporarily need to re-attach a side mirror.
Final word
No driver in their right minds would want anything untoward to happen while on the road, especially in unfamiliar territory, however unfortunate things do happen. As such, it pays to leave the garage prepared for any possible contingency. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
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Click here for some tips and advices on parallel parking.
