Winter Driving - Be Prepared

Driving can be stressful to some people. Others have no worries about it. But I think we can all agree that winter driving can add some complications to even a short road trip or errand run.

Imagine this situation: You know there is a winter storm coming, but you need to get to the grocery store for bread, milk and eggs. Because you NEED bread, milk and eggs. The storm hits while you are fighting the hundreds of other people in the store for the last (partially smashed) loaf of bread. You get back onto the road to realize you are in a huge traffic jam. The road is now closed due to bad weather and accidents. So, you slip the car into park and get as comfortable as you can.

Sure this scenario is a bit outrageous, but for hundreds of people in Virginia this nightmare came true! Just last week, a 50 mile stretch of i95 was closed due to accidents and bad weather. The closure stranded hundreds of people in their cars for nearly 30 hours. What would you do in this situation? Would you have what you need in your car to be comfortable for 30 hours?

Having an emergency car kit in your vehicle may not make a situation like this enjoyable, but it will help make you slightly more comfortable. Here is a list of some items that you should consider putting into your Winter Emergency Car Kit:

1. Full Tank of Gas- This goes for ay time of year, but is especially important in the winter. Having plenty of gas in your car will allow you to keep your car running. How does that help? It will allow you to charge your cell phone and maintain the heat in your car.

2. Jumper Cables or Battery Charger- A car battery charger is ideal, because you do not need to rely on someone else to help jumpstart your car. However, the most important thing about jumper cables or a car batter charger is knowing how to use them! Bonus Tip- Also include a cell phone charger in this category.

3. Ice Scraper- Ice and snow can build up quickly on a car that is stationary. So having an ice scraper or brush to clear off your car is essential. Long handled scrapers make the process slightly easier and quicker.

4. Kitty litter or Rock Salt- These course materials can help you car gain traction if your vehicle is stuck on ice or packed snow. Keeping a small bag in your trunk can prove beneficial.

5. Backpack, bin or bag- Having some type of bag or bin to carry your belongings is important. If your car is broken down or stranded somewhere, staying in your vehicle may not always be the safest option. If you need to walk to a safe intersection to be picked up, walk to someones house or walk back home, having a bag to carry your personal items will make your excursion much easier.

6. Flashlight- It gets darker earlier in winter months. Having a flashlight will keep you safer if you are walking along the road or if you are outside of your vehicle for some reason. The light will make you more visible to those around you.

7. First Aid Kit- A good first aid kit does not need to be a full trauma kit. A simple kit with some pain killers, bandaids and burn cream would be a great addition to a car emergency kit. Why burn cream? Because so many things under the hood of your car are hot. If your car breaks down and you open the hood, you run the risk of burning yourself. Something as simple as touching the wrong spot while adding wiper fluid can result in a burn.

8. Snacks- Small, nonperishable snacks are a great addition to any emergency kit. Food will keep your stomach full, but it will also help boost your morale.

9. Plastic Bags- Bags will act as a barrier between you and the snow. If you get wet, you will get cold. This will turn a bad situation into a much worse one. You can use the bags to kneel on if you are filling your tires with air. They also work as a waterproof barrier over your socks to keep your feet dry if you are walking through the snow.

10. Blanket, gloves, hat, hand warmers- Staying warm in the winter can be difficult. Give yourself an advantage by adding these items into your car kit. A great bonus item here would be a thermal emergency blanket.

Keep in mind- this list is just a staring point. You will need to cater your kit to your specific needs. Take into consideration things like: Will kids be in the car with you? Will you have pets with you? Do you have a medical diagnoses that requires medicine?

Hopefully this article, and its associated YouTube Video will encourage you to put together an emergency kit for your car.

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Author: Dale M. Schlegel, Jr. - Principal at Tailored Insurance Solutions, LLC