More than half of the country has to deal with the treacherous weather of a northern winter. Snow, black ice and pounding winter storms can leave the roads slick and dangerous. Accidents can happen any time of the year, but the winter is especially tricky for many drivers.
It’s always a good idea to be prepared for emergencies, especially when you live in an area of the country that has a true “winter” season like Colorado. In the event that you are stranded during a snowstorm you will want to have the essentials on hand that can help you to survive until help can arrive.
Accidents can be stressful enough without having the tools that you need to help you through. If you are injured, the situation can just become more complicated. Personal injury attorneys like Shelly Leeke will tell you that being prepared in advance is one of the best ways to help yourself after and during any kind of accident.
Everything You Need To Prep Your Car For A Winter Emergency
If you drive through winter conditions for even part of the year, you should have these essential items on your car preparation list.
Proper Tires
All season or winter tires are the best way to equip your car for dealing with snowy and icy road conditions.
Candle & Lighter
Even one small candle can provide you with enough residual heat to help you fight off the deathly effects of hypothermia.
Air Compressor
This may seem like overkill to some, but when you are dealing with a flat tire in harsh winter conditions, you will be happy to have a car sized air compressor on hand.
Anti-Freeze
Always keep a close eye on all of your fluid levels during the winter. With rapidly changing temperatures from the day to the nighttime, your car’s systems can go through a lot of abuse. Anti-freeze can help your car stay running even during the worst storms so you should keep a bottle in your trunk in case you run out.
Snow Brush
Have a snow brush on hand to help keep your windows and lights clear. If you end up in the ditch a snow brush can help you stay visible and even help you to clear out your car.
Thermal Blanket
Staying warm is the first priority when you get stranded in the winter. Temperatures can be frigid and the risk of hypothermia is high. Keep a folded up thermal car blanket or mylar sheet to help insulate your body.
Jumper Cables
Have some cables on hand when you need them in bad weather. Cold temperatures can drain your battery faster than any other conditions, so you are more likely to need a boost in the winter.
Hat & Gloves
Keeping your hands and head warm are essential when you are stranded in the cold. Throw an old set of gloves or mittens and a warm hat in your glovebox just in case you need them.
First Aid Kit
A basic car first aid kit should always be on hand and fully stocked. The basics including burn ointment, pain and fever reliever and bandages should always be included.
Shovel
A foldable shovel can come in handy when you end up off the road in foul weather.
Cat Litter
Spreading cat litter or an oil absorption gravel can help you gain traction when you have gone off the road. You can also use bags of sand or gravel.
Flares
During a storm, visibility can be a real problem. If you have gone off the road into a snowbank, it can be tough for rescue vehicles to even spot you. Light your flares near the spot where you went off the road following to where your car ended up stopping to help guide in the police or ambulance.
How are you making sure you are prepared for winter driving?
