In the United States, there are an estimated 6 million car accidents each year. This means there are 6 million times drivers are at risk for being in an emergency situation that could leave them stranded or in need of medical attention. Of those accidents, nearly 391,000 people are injured annually as a result of distracted driving. These accidents could be avoided if drivers follow state and national guidelines. With this number on the rise, are you prepared in the event of an accident?
Planning ahead can help you remain calm in the event of an accident or if you find yourself having car trouble on the side of the road. If you have a car emergency kit, you’re a step ahead and might just be able to prevent any further complications or injuries.
Why you need a car emergency it?
An accident can happen at any time or your car can break down, leaving you stranded on the side of the road for extended periods of time. If you have an emergency kit, you can help protect yourself and your loved ones while you wait for emergency responders to assist you. Having even a few of these essentials on hand can help you have peace of mind should the unexpected happen.
What to include
In addition to emergency essentials like jumper cables and a basic car toolkit, there are a few items you should keep in your car at all times. Not sure where to start? Here are some of the key items you should include.
- First aid kit — this should have the basics for medical emergencies including but not limited to backup medications, bandages and gauze, splints, sterile pads, and gloves.
- Portable charger — if your car battery dies, this will help you keep your cellphone working as long as possible to call for help.
- Bottled water — you should keep several bottles in your car whenever you travel far distances.
- Cash — if you’re traveling a far distance, you should always have cash on hand in the event of an emergency.
- Blankets — if you break down or experience an accident in cold weather, a blanket will help keep you and your passengers warm to prevent hypothermia.
- Flashlight — this should be one that you can manually charge should the batteries run out.
- Non-perishable snacks — some of the best items to keep in your emergency kit for nourishment are granola bars and nuts.
- Reflectors — emergency hazard triangles to place near the rear of your car to alert oncoming traffic of your disabled vehicle.
- Map — if you get lost, a map can help guide you to safer roads if you should lose cell phone service.
- Windshield wiper fluid and ice scrapers — if you get caught in a storm without these items, you won’t have visibility should you find a way to drive to safety.
- Shovel — in the winter, a shovel is essential to help you dig yourself out if you’re trapped in a snowbank or out of the mud in the warmer months.
We hope these tips help you stay safe on the road should the unexpected happen. If you have any related questions, please visit our website to find a local agent near you: https://www.quincymutual.com/find-agent.htm
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