Car accidents are one of those things in life where you hope you’re never in that situation but you know you should probably take precautions, just in case. There are obvious things that you can do, such as turning your cell phone off while you drive and staying within the speed limit. However, it’s a good idea to prepare for an accident or any emergency situation, which is why you should have an emergency kit in your car.
Items to include:
First and foremost, you should pack a first aid kit with everything that can come in handy should someone be injured. In the United States alone, three million people are injured in car accidents every year. Pack things like:
- Bandages
- Antiseptic
- Gauze
- Cotton balls
- Bug spray
- Tweezers
- Antibiotic cream
- Bottled water
- Anything else that you think might come in handy
You should also be sure to have a fire extinguisher in your emergency kit as well. Smaller ones that can be stored easily are preferred. You also want to pack:
- Road flares
- Jumper cables
- Tarp
- Duct tape
- Flashlight (with additional batteries)
- Warm blanket
- Necessary fluids for your vehicle such as antifreeze, oil, and brake fluid
On top of your roadside emergency kit, you should also have your traditional supplies for replacing a flat tire. You’ll want a jack, some rags, and some type of lug wrench.
How to Pack
Your emergency roadside kit may look different than your neighbor’s because it should be tailored to your specific needs and area. Primarily, your kit should be tailored to your area and the weather that is typically seen. If you’re somewhere that has a lot of rain, then you might need an extra rain poncho and an umbrella. You should then tailor your kit to you and your family’s needs. Adding things like diapers for your children, food and a water bowl for your pet, or prescription medication for your family member are the various ways you can tailor your kit.
Having an emergency kit may seem unnecessary now, but you’ll thank yourself that you made it should you ever get into an accident. If you’ve been in an accident as a result of another driver, you should contact automobile accident attorneys right away. Automobile accident attorneys focus on getting you the compensation you deserve.
Have you been in a motor vehicle accident? Call us today.