What to Keep in Your Car Emergency Kit
Over the holidays, many of us make plans to spend time with family and friends. For some, this means driving, either across the state or in some cases, across the country. Wherever you are headed this holiday season, you want to be sure you get there safely, and that often involves having the right supplies on hand in the event of an emergency. Breakdowns that leave you stranded on the side of the road also leave you vulnerable to potentially serious and life threatening car accidents and injuries. Being prepared provides the extra assurance you need to keep yourself and any loved ones traveling with you free from harm.
Dealing With Car Breakdowns
Making sure your car is well maintained before your trip can help to avoid issues that could leave you stranded. Unfortunately, even with the best preventative care, things can go wrong, and you could find yourself in the middle of unfamiliar surroundings, with a flat tire or a vehicle that has stalled or is losing power. To protect yourself from car accidents in these situations, follow these tips from the American Automobile Association:
- Make a note of your surroundings and your general location at the first signs of trouble. If you can, get off the highway or interstate, and look for a service station or shopping plaza
- Try to remain calm, and use your hazard lights to indicate that you are having issues to other drivers
- Pull off to the side of the road, as far as possible. Generally, your safest location will be on the far right side of the road
- When getting out of your vehicle to assess the situation, use extreme caution, particularly at night or in bad weather, when you may not be as visible to other drivers
- If you cannot pull off the road or are in a high traffic situation, use your cell phone to notify local law enforcement and wait until help arrives
For a free legal consultation, call 803-222-2222
Packing an Emergency Car Safety Kit
Before any trip, you should make sure you have an adequately packed car emergency safety kit. The following can help you deal with any minor mishaps that may arise:
- Flashlight, and extra batteries
- Car battery jumper cables
- A tire repair kit, a pump, and a spare tire
- Extra brake fluid and engine oil
- Water and radiator fluid, in case your engine overheats
- Car flares, which can prevent accidents by alerting other motorists while you are making repairs
With the Farmer’s Almanac predicting rain and freezing temperatures over the winter months throughout the upstate and blankets of snow for northern states, it is recommended
you also pack an ice scraper, as well as snacks, drinking water and extra jackets, hats, and gloves—in the event you have to wait until help arrives.
Had an Accident? Get Help Today
If you or a loved one is injured in a car accident this holiday season, contact Anastopoulo Law Firm right away. Our experienced South Carolina car accident attorneys can advise you on the best course of action to take, so that you can get the compensation you need to recover.
Call or text 803-222-2222 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
