I was recently in a sustained standstill on the interstate due to a wreck involving an overturned tractor-trailer. The temperature was around 20°F. As I was sitting there, I was going over the items in my car to see if I was prepared for an extended wait. In our world of easy communication it is something I find is overlooked. Many people tend to assume if something went wrong with their car, they could just pull over and call for help. In a situation like this, it would be a long time coming. There were serveral emergency vehicles already tending to the multiple wrecks and there were about two miles of bumper to bumper cars in both lanes behind me. I tend to think of myself as well prepared, but I had not outfitted my car for a winter emergency yet. Blanket? No. Heavy coat? Yes. Head covering of some sort? No. Heavy gloves? No. Waterproof shoes? No. Hmm, not so prepared.
What should you keep in your car during the winter? Here is a quick list.
- Ice scraper
- Blanket
- Flashlight
- Flares or reflectors
- Bag of sand
- Fold-up shovel
- Waterproof shoes or overshoes
- Insulated gloves
- Chain or heavy rope
- First aid kit
- Basic tool kit
- Jumper cables
- Charger for your cell phone
- Extra wiper fluid
- Snack, especially if you are diabetic or hypoglycemic
- Water – you will have to take it in and out with you if the temperature is consistently below freezing
Even if you don’t know how to use the tools or the jumper cables, you should have them. If you need to use the jumper cables or have someone pull you out of a ditch with a rope, you are going to need someone in another vehicle. They may have the knowledge of use, but not have the means so working together you will have a chance of success.
There are some other common sense things you should do as well. Keep your gas tank at least half full. If you get stuck in a standstill you will need it. Wear appropriate clothing for the weather even if it is only a short trip.
Hopefully, you won’t ever need to use any of these items, but as the saying goes; it is better to have and not need than to need and not have. 🙂
JS