5 ways to prepare for (or prevent) roadside emergencies


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Let's face it: Driving isn't always completely safe. From car accidents to flat tires to medical emergencies, anything can happen when you're behind the wheel. That's why preparing for roadside emergencies is so important. After all, they're never going to strike when you're actually expecting them.

In an emergency, the age-old adage "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure" is especially true. So follow these tips to make sure you're prepared for roadside trouble.

Create a roadside emergency kit

Put that trunk of yours to good use and make sure you have a comprehensive roadside emergency kit in your vehicle at all times. Your emergency kit should include, at a minimum, the following items:

5 ways to prepare for (or prevent) roadside emergencies

  1. Flashlights and batteries (remember to check batteries
  2. regularly; cold weather can zap them in no time)
  3. Jumper cables
  4. A warm blanket
  5. Road flares
  6. Cones
  7. A fire extinguisher
  8. Car fluids (including motor oil, transmission fluid,
  9. antifreeze, etc.) and a funnel
  10. Tools (think pliers, wrenches, etc.)
  11. Sand or kitty litter during the winter months
  12. Water
Store common household goods in your car

A change of clothes may not save your life, but there are quite a few household items that will go a long way in keeping you comfortable and healthy in a roadside emergency. After all, it's bad enough to be broken down on the side of the road; it's even worse to be hungry, thirsty, cold and broken down on the side of road. Keep the following in your car:

  1. Non-perishable snacks (crackers, cookies, jerky, nuts,
  2. dried fruit, granola and protein bars)
  3. Clothing (warm and cool options)
  4. Toilet paper
  5. Books, games, pillows, DVDs and other emergency
  6. "luxuries"
  7. List of emergency contacts
Prepare your car for the season ahead

The best way to prepare for a roadside emergency is to prevent it from happening altogether. Your car should be appropriately prepared for each season, depending on the weather and road conditions that each season brings along with it. For instance, switching to snow tires or all-terrain tires during the snowy winter months can go a long way in helping you avoid roadside emergencies. Likewise, checking to make sure your windshield wipers are in good working order is a good idea prior to a rainy spring season. Regardless of the season, make sure your spare tire is always in good condition and that you have all the tools (and knowledge) you need to change a flat on your own.

Know what to do in an emergency

A roadside emergency can be inconvenient, but it doesn't have to be tragic. When your vehicle is disabled on the shoulder or side of the road, you need to act smartly to avoid making the situation worse. Call as much attention to your vehicle as you can by using your hazard lights and surrounding your car with cones. If your car is disabled after dusk, use emergency flares (which you should have in your emergency kit). Be extremely cautious when getting out of your vehicle and avoid walking or standing between your car and the road. Make sure any children stay in your car and off the shoulder or roadway at all times.

Choose a safe car

5 ways to prepare for (or prevent) roadside emergencies

When you buy your next car, help prevent future roadside emergencies by choosing a car with optimal safety features. For instance, the Kia Sorento from Young Kia in Kaysville, is a versatile family-friendly crossover. The Sorento was named one of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's 2013 Top Safety Picks and received an Overall 5-Star Crash Safety Rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration . The Sorento features blindspot detection, rear camera display and backup warning sensors to keep you and your passengers safer.

Check out other related articles sponsored by Young Automotive Group.

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