Snowy scenic drives sound like a wonderful idea but anyone who has grown up in colder temperatures can tell you, it’s not as fun as it looks. Most seasoned winter drivers know that any time you head out on the road during winter, you should have the minimal survival gear just in case you get stranded for hours. If you’re taking a longer road trip and expect winter weather, you should pack your own car emergency kit to keep you safe and warm should anything go wrong.
Winter weather like snow, ice, and sleet can drastically reduce visibility on the road and make driving dangerous. In fact, there are nearly half a million car accidents each year due to winter storms and bad weather conditions. Learning how to drive safely on ice and snow takes time and practice, but luckily, you can always be prepared for a situation where you may be left on the side of the road during winter.
What To Pack In Your Car Emergency Kit
From impassible roads to unsafe driving conditions, you may need to pull over and wait it out or call for some assistance. During the winter, you can’t just leave your car running for heat at the risk of running out of gas. You’ll need some items to stay warm, hydrated, and out of the snow.
Prepare for anything that comes your way with a winter car emergency kit by packing these essentials:
- Ice scraper
- Snow shovel
- First aid kit
- Jar or jug of water
- Non-perishable snacks
- Phone charger
- Flashlight and batteries
- Thick blanket
- Basic toolbox
- Cat litter or sand
- Reflective triangles
- Matches
- Jumper Cables
With these items, your car should be fully equipped to help you safely wait out any dangerous conditions.
Printable Checklist And Contact Sheets
You can download a handy printable car emergency kit checklist and printable contact sheets to keep in your car. If you have extra space in your car for more items, include an extra set of warm clothes in case yours get wet. Other items like an empty gas can and a fire extinguisher may also be useful if you run out of gas or experience more serious issues.
If your phone ever dies, it’s likely you don’t have all those numbers memorized so having them written down will ensure you can reach your friends or family once finding another phone to use. Along with an emergency contact sheet, you should also keep a copy of your updated car insurance information. If you’re involved in one of the many winter car accidents or even if you need a tow, you’ll need a copy of your insurance on hand.
Hopefully, you won’t need to use your winter car emergency kit but just in case you do, at least you know you’re prepared to wait out a storm. As a general rule, if you don’t absolutely have to head out into bad winter weather, stay home. Also check local news and weather reports before leaving the house to stay up to date on conditions.
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