Roadside Emergency 101: Save these tips as your Car Emergency Kit Essentials
Imagine this: you’re in the middle of the highway or a faraway road… and suddenly your car breaks down. What do you do?
Finding yourself in a roadside emergency can be a scary and stressful experience, but being prepared with the right tools and knowledge can make all the difference.
Follow these tips to know everything from what to do if you have a car breakdown on the highway to what to put in a car emergency kit.
What to do in case of a car breakdown?
The first thing you should do is pull over to the side of the road in a safe location. Turn on your hazard lights and set the parking brake.
If you are able to safely get out of the car, do so and move to a safe distance away from the road. If you have a cell phone, call for roadside assistance or a tow truck. If you do not have a cell phone, try to flag down another driver for help.
While you are waiting for help to arrive, stay calm and assess the situation. If you are able to fix the problem yourself, do so. If not, stay in your car and wait for help to arrive.
Always have car emergency kit essentials!
Your car emergency kit should include the following items:
- A first-aid kit
- A flashlight
- A battery-powered radio
- A cell phone charger
- A blanket
- A reflective vest
- A set of flares
- A tow strap
- A jack
- A spare tire
- A lug wrench
- A wrench
- A screwdriver
- A pair of pliers
- A knife
- A roll of duct tape
- A can of WD-40
- A small fire extinguisher
- A water bottle
- Non-perishable food
- A first-aid manual
You can find a comprehensive emergency kit for a car list online or at your local auto parts store. It is also important to regularly check and update your car emergency kit to ensure that all items are in good condition and not expired.
Check if you have a car emergency button
Some vehicles come equipped with a car emergency button, which can be used to call for help in case of an emergency. If your car does not have this feature, consider investing in a personal emergency response system that can be used to call for help. This is especially handy in situations where you don’t have a phone or have no reception.
If you are unable to exit the vehicle, stay in with your seatbelt on and call for help using your car emergency button or personal emergency response system.
Keep your emergency car insurance information near at all times
An emergency car insurance card should include your insurance company’s name and contact information, as well as your policy number. In the event of an accident or emergency, having this information available can make the process smoother and less stressful.
Here are some additional tips to help you stay safe on the road:
- Always wear your seatbelt.
- Don’t drive while tired or under the influence of substances.
- Be aware of your surroundings and drive defensively.
- If you see an emergency vehicle approaching, pull over to the side of the road and stop.
- Do not attempt to fix a car problem if you are not qualified to do so.
- Stay calm and call for help.
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