Are You Equipped for Roadside Emergencies?

Don't forget to have some rags for wiping up fluids or cleaning grime off your hands. Also, include in that kit a flashlight with extra batteries. If you have to pull over at night, a flashlight is essential, whether you're spraying tire sealant, adding fluids, signaling for help, or having to walk a few miles to the nearest town.


When your car becomes disabled, try to pull over to the right side of the road as far as possible. If it's dark, park under a light or lay down some flares or warning triangles to make sure other motorists (and possibly a tow truck) can see you. More than 3,000 traffic deaths per year are due to accidents that take place during roadside repairs. A triangle is usually better than a flare because it can't burn out but if you can, use both. Your car's emergency flashers are good for a limited amount of time, but they will eventually run down your battery.

Just in Case
Under the "Not a bad idea" heading, the items you put in your vehicle may depend on your climate and geography. For hot, desert areas, bottled water is a must. In cold weather, a blanket is not only good for warmth, but also as a ground cloth should you need to crawl underneath your car. A pair of gloves (the soft kind that allow for manual dexterity) can come in handy as well.


Some drivers who take long trips on a regular basis like to carry along spare accessory belts and an empty fuel jug (don't store fuel in an enclosed area where flammable fumes might accumulate). A fire extinguisher is great for handling minor fires, but use good judgment if the flames really start to engulf the vehicle. You're better off to file an insurance claim on your car than a medical claim for burn injuries.


If you're driving through remote areas, especially where road closures due to landslides or snowstorms are a possibility, an extra level of preparedness is needed. Fill a small backpack with water, energy bars, and a first aid kit. And if you have enough room, consider bringing along a mini-bicycle, or at least an extra pair of walking shoes. When you're stranded, you might be in for a really long walk back to town. We even heard of one guy who happened to have a skateboard with him when he ran out of gas out in the boonies. He may have looked a bit strange pushing his way down the road in the middle of nowhere, but it eventually got him to a service station!