Anyone in the northern U.S. knows that winter can be as beautiful as it is dangerous. It may be pretty to look at, but snow and ice can be treacherous to drive on. If you live in an area that gets winter weather, having the right emergency equipment in your car is an essential part of driving.
When the roads are slick it doesn’t take much to send you sliding off the road or into another car. Accident rates are always much higher during the snowy seasons than any other time of the year. The lack of traction and visibility can be tough to navigate safely. It’s important to be prepared for any situation.
After an accident, you can always get the help you need from expert injury lawyers like the attorneys of Tario & Associates. Before an accident even happens, you can prepare yourself for the unexpected.
During an accident or when you are stranded, these are the ten most essential winter items that you will want to have in your car. This is in addition to a mobile phone that is charged up and ready to use in case of an emergency.
Photo by Simon Matzinger from Pexels
Shovel
● If you end up sliding off the road into a ditch, you will be glad to have a shovel in your trunk. You don’t need a large shovel, a fold-down shovel should be sufficient. You may need to dig out your tires to give yourself traction to get out of any number of slippery winter situations.
Flares
● Visibility can be a real problem when it comes to winter storms and being stranded. If you end up in a ditch or off the side of the road due to wintery conditions, you should have a flare. Light your flare to alert other traffic and emergency vehicles to your location.
Blanket
● Freezing temperatures can be just as dangerous as the roads in the winter. If you get stranded, you will need to stay warm. It’s a good idea to have a wool or thermal material blanket handy until help arrives.
Candle
● When you are stranded in your car, the heat from just one single candle can save your life. The extra heat can reduce your risk of hypothermia.
Food
● You may be stranded for several hours or even days in a drastic situation, so you will need to have some sort of food. Protein bars are a great source of energy and are easy to store for long periods of time.
Water
● Summer or winter, you should always have a case of water in your car for emergencies. You can’t survive without water. If you don’t have water, you can melt down snow over your candle or with your body heat.
Clothes / Coats
● Your goal is to stay warm. Throw an extra pair of clothes, a sweater or a coat in your trunk in case you get stranded without the right gear.
Snow Brush
● In the northern regions of the country, it can be hard to predict when a sudden blizzard will hit. A good snowbrush can help you get cleared off with maximum visibility and can be used as a shovel if necessary.
Salt
● Ice can be deadly on the roads. If you end up getting stuck on ice and can’t get your car moving, you can spread some ice around your tires. The salt will help to break down the ice and give you some traction quickly.
Sand / Litter
● The friction from tires spinning on snow can create ice in just seconds. Spread some rough sand or cat litter under your tires to help you get some traction.
Conclusion
Even the most experienced and skilled drivers on the road can get into trouble with winter conditions. The best way to help keep you safe and avoid injuries is to be prepared. Make sure your car is winter-ready and stocked up on these essential winter items.
Let us know what you think in the Comments.
Speak Your Mind