{"id":16234,"date":"2023-05-16T16:24:00","date_gmt":"2023-05-16T16:24:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/?p=16234"},"modified":"2023-05-19T17:14:17","modified_gmt":"2023-05-19T17:14:17","slug":"are-you-prepared-creating-the-perfect-roadside-emergency-kit","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/blog\/auto-insurance\/are-you-prepared-creating-the-perfect-roadside-emergency-kit\/","title":{"rendered":"Are You Prepared? Creating the Perfect Roadside Emergency Kit"},"content":{"rendered":"

When traveling long distances by car, it’s important to prepare for emergencies. Packing a roadside survival kit and having reliable <\/span>car insurance<\/span><\/a> can give you peace of mind and help you handle unexpected <\/span>situations on the road<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

If you\u2019re like most people, when traveling halfway across the country by car to visit your friends, you may not have a roadside emergency kit. It\u2019s not unusual for you to focus most of your attention on things like suitcases and car-friendly snacks. And, stocking a roadside survival kit may be the last thing on your mind \u2013 unless you get stuck somewhere without an important item that could make a difference in the outcome.<\/span><\/p>\n

Anytime something unexpected happens, we count on our cellphones to get us out of trouble. But, what if you break down on a dark, desolate stretch of road with no cell signal and you have a blowout or a dead battery, which means no emergency flashers and no way to reach<\/span>
\n<\/span>American Automobile Association (AAA<\/span><\/a>)? What then?<\/span><\/p>\n

Things could get awfully spooky in a hurry. Being stuck in the boonies in the middle of the night without a flashlight or flares could easily be your undoing, especially if your vehicle is partially blocking the road.<\/span><\/p>\n

That\u2019s why so many safety agencies, including the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS), recommend carrying a well-stock roadside emergency kit in your car at all times, although the majority of us don\u2019t even carry any of the basic items that could add safety to your commute as well as get you back on the road quickly.<\/span><\/p>\n

Roadside Survival Kit: What You Can’t Leave Home Without\u00a0<\/b><\/h2>\n

The Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) suggests these 10 basic emergency car kit items:<\/span><\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Jumper cables<\/span><\/li>\n
  2. Flashlight with extra batteries<\/span><\/li>\n
  3. Reflective warning triangles or flares<\/span><\/li>\n
  4. First-aid kit<\/span><\/li>\n
  5. Water and non-perishable snacks<\/span><\/li>\n
  6. Blanket<\/span><\/li>\n
  7. Gloves, hat, and extra clothing<\/span><\/li>\n
  8. Multi-tool or utility knife<\/span><\/li>\n
  9. Duct tape<\/span><\/li>\n
  10. Tow strap or rope<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    You can simplify things by purchasing a pre-assembled emergency roadside kit from a number of reputable, brand-name companies, including online. These kits tend to be small enough to carry in the trunk or back seat of your car. That way, you won\u2019t have to pull a U-Haul to carry everything on the list.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Once you\u2019ve purchased your pre-assembled kit, don\u2019t wait until you have a <\/span>roadside emergency<\/span><\/a> to open it and peek inside. Familiarize yourself with its contents ahead of a crisis so you know how to use each item.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Extra Handy Items You Might Want to Include<\/b><\/h2>\n

    In addition to the basic items, there are some other items that can come in handy during a roadside emergency. For instance:<\/span><\/p>\n