Winter in the Midwest means ice skating, snow days, and hot chocolate. It also means unpredictable weather, blizzards, and hazardous driving. In order to ensure you are prepared for what the elements have to offer this winter, consider keeping a safety kit in your car containing items you might need in the event of an emergency. Some of these items you may already have in your car, while others might not immediately come to mind.
These ten items will ensure you are prepared for driving this winter.
Ice Scraper
The first item on the list may be something you already have in your car if you are accustomed to driving in winter weather conditions. An ice scraper is not just something to use before driving; it can come in useful if frost, snow, or ice accumulate on your windshield while driving. Having a quality ice scraper in your vehicle allows you to quickly and easily clean off your windshield as needed.
Shovel
Another item you may or may not already have in the trunk of your car is a shovel. A shovel can save the day if your car is ever stuck in a ditch or a snowbank, or if you simply cannot get out of your parking spot due to heavy accumulations. To save space, you can find a foldable, portable shovel that can easily fit into your trunk or the floor of your car.
Blankets and Cold Weather Gear
You may assume things such as blankets, hats, mittens, and socks are redundant if you have a functioning heater in your car, but you never know if your car will stall or the heater will break or if you will be stranded somewhere due to inclement weather. In the event of such an emergency you will thank yourself for planning ahead and having extra warm blankets, hats, mittens, and some extra-warm socks on hand.
Flashlight and Batteries
In the event of an emergency, such as if your car battery dies, a flashlight and spare batteries are key. You never know when a flashlight will come in handy so it’s best to have one on hand at all times. Even a small, portable flashlight will be useful, and can fit easily into your glove compartment. Just don’t forget the spare batteries!
First Aid Kit
A first aid kit for your car should contain band aids, antibiotic ointment, gauze, scissors, over-the-counter medications, and anything else you can foresee needing in an emergency. It’s best to be prepared, just in case.
Water and Snacks
It may seem unlikely you’ll find yourself stranded, but it does still happen, particularly in blizzard conditions, so having water and non-perishable snacks on hand can ensure your safety and survival.
Jumper Cables
Winter weather brings treacherous driving conditions and frigid temperatures, which means if you are driving during a blizzard or extreme cold you might be one of only a few cars on the road. If you run into any car trouble, having jumper cables ready to go can save you valuable time if the help that arrives does not have a pair. The cold winter weather can actually increase the likelihood of your call stalling, so jumper cables are all the more important during winter.
Tool Kit
A proper winter tool kit for your car should include basic household tools, such as a screwdriver and hammer. Understanding how to perform basic maintenance on your own vehicle, and having the proper tools, will allow you the independence to get yourself out of a jam.
Spare Phone Charger
We’ve all been there. You’re out in public and you notice your phone battery dying but you forgot your charger. Now imagine this scenario in a stalled car in the middle of a blizzard. You can avoid this unpleasant situation by always keeping a working charger in your car.
Extra Windshield Washing Fluid
Many windshield washing fluids contain antifreeze, which will allow you to drive safely through winter conditions with full visibility. Be sure you are purchasing the type of cleaner with the antifreeze component.
Work With A Dedicated Personal Injury Attorney
The personal injury attorneys at Nelson Personal Injury work hard to make sure you feel heard, and that you get the compensation to help you on the road to recovery. If you have been involved in a car accident or truck accident, or another type of personal injury claim, contact us to find out more about how we can help you with your next steps: nelsonpersonalinjury.com.
