Being prepared for emergencies on the road is crucial for all drivers. Having emergency supplies in your vehicle at all times can help you safely handle common roadside issues. Here are 3 emergency situations every driver should be ready for.
1. Flat Tire
Getting a flat tire can happen to anyone at any time – in the US, one tire gets a puncture every seven seconds, with drivers suffering as many as five flat tires in their lifetime.
Without being prepared, you may find yourself stranded on the side of the road waiting for assistance. Having an emergency kit with tools and supplies to change a flat can allow you to fix the issue quickly yourself. Your kit should include a spare tire, jack, lug wrench, and a flashlight. Make sure the spare is properly inflated and the tools are in working order.
Changing a flat yourself will save time and get you back on the road faster. Knowing how to safely change a tire beforehand is also important. Practicing installing your spare will make the process easier if you ever have to do it roadside in an emergency.
2. Dead Battery
Few things are more frustrating than returning to your car only to find the battery is dead, yet 54% of car batteries fail within the first three years. Is it any wonder more than one million drivers a year call for roadside assistance because of a dead battery?
A dead battery can completely immobilize your vehicle when you need to get somewhere. Having jumper cables and a portable battery jumper in your kit can get you up and running in minutes. Jumper cables allow you to connect to another vehicle with a working battery to jumpstart your car.
Portable jump starters are battery-powered devices that do the same without needing a second vehicle. Check the charge on portable units regularly to make sure they are ready to go. Knowing the proper and safe way to jump-start a dead battery is key as well.
3. Accident
Unfortunately, accidents happen every single day, with around 114 fatal car accidents per day. Being prepared in the event you are involved in a collision can ensure your safety and the safety of others.
Your emergency kit should include a first aid kit, reflective triangles or road flares, and an emergency blanket. The first aid kit will allow you to treat any minor cuts and abrasions at the scene. Reflective triangles can be placed around the vehicles to alert other drivers of the incident. Emergency blankets are useful for keeping shock at bay. Having a pen and paper can also be beneficial for exchanging vital information with the other driver.
If the accident is serious, call emergency services right away. Following proper procedures after an accident can protect all parties physically and legally, which is why it is vital that you contact a lawyer experienced in auto accidents for advice.
Being ready for anything while out on the road will give you the confidence to handle emergency situations effectively.
