With summer fast approaching, more drivers will be on the road. In fact, experts are predicting an increase in travel for summer 2023. With more drivers on the road, it is crucial to be prepared for an emergency. Whether you’re taking a road trip or are on your everyday commute, when you hit the road, your safety should always be a top priority. While you can’t predict car accidents or emergencies, being prepared for them can make dealing with them much easier which is why you need a car emergency kit.
The Nevada personal injury attorneys at ER Injury Attorneys review what you need to build your car emergency kit to help you stay safe on the road.
Related: Avoiding Car Accidents During the 100 Deadliest Days of Summer
Car Emergency Kit Essentials
First Aid Kit
A well-stocked first aid kit is a must-have in any car emergency kit. It should include bandages, gauze pads, adhesive tape, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, scissors, tweezers,etc.
Toolkit
Along with essential tools such as pliers and screwdrivers, make sure to include the other tools that might be useful including an adjustable wrench, duct tape, and a utility knife.
Rescue Knife
Along with a utility knife, a rescue knife is a valuable addition to any car emergency kit. This specialized knife is designed to help you escape from a vehicle in emergency situations, particularly when the doors or windows are inoperable. When purchasing a rescue knife, make sure it also includes a seatbelt cutter. This feature allows you to quickly and safely cut through seatbelts that may be jammed.
Jumper Cables
Having a set of jumper cables is a must-have for any car emergency kit. Ensure that the cables are of good quality and long enough to reach between vehicles. Alternatively, some jumper kits run off of a lithium-ion battery that jump your battery and charge your phone in an emergency situation. Familiarize yourself with the proper procedures for jump-starting a car before trying to do so.
Spare Tire
Knowing how to change a tire is a valuable skill that can get you back on the road quickly and safely. Make sure your car is equipped with a fully inflated spare tire, a jack, and a lug wrench or tire iron.
Tire Inflator/Sealant
A flat tire may be temporarily repaired using tire sealant or an aerosol tire inflator. When using these tools, know that they are only a temporary fix. Do not try to drive long distances with a tire repaired with a sealant. Make sure to have the tire inspected and repaired as soon as possible
Flashlight
This is another essential for a car emergency kit. Make sure to have extra batteries on hand or use a hand-crank flashlight. Having a flashlight is crucial for night time breakdowns or when visibility is low.
Reflective Warning Triangles or Road Flares
Carry reflective warning triangles or road flares in your car for extra safety. Place these around your vehicle to alert other drivers of your presence and warn them to proceed with caution. These can be especially helpful if your battery is dead and you can’t use your car caution lights.
Along with the items mentioned above, there a few other items you should consider adding to your emergency kit:
- Non-perishable food and bottled water
- Pet supplies
- Extra prescription medications
- Chargers for phones, laptops, tablets, etc.
- Roadside assistance contact information
- Seasonally-appropriate items such as blankets, winter clothing, sunscreen, reflective sun shades,etc.
- Map
- GPS
Here are some additional tips for assembling your car emergency kit:
- Choose a durable, waterproof container to store your kit
- Label each item in your kit so you can find it quickly in an emergency
- Make sure your kit is stocked with enough supplies for everyone in your car, including children.
- Update your kit regularly. You may also want to add or remove items based on your needs.
- Make sure you know how to use every item in your kit
Contact ER Injury Attorneys
By adding the items mentioned above to your car emergency kit, you can be sure you will be prepared for any emergencies you may encounter during your travels. The team at ER Injury Attorneys hope that everyone will use extra caution when traveling this summer, but if you find yourself injured after an accident, our personal injury attorneys can help you obtain compensation.
Whether you were injured in a motorcycle accident, truck accident, or you’ve experienced the wrongful death of a loved one, the team at ER Injury Attorneys can help you obtain the compensation you deserve for your injuries. We’ve successfully represented clients in Las Vegas, Henderson, Summerlin, Boulder City, and Pahrump. For your free case consultation, contact us 24/7 by calling 702-878-7878, via LiveChat, or by filling out our contact form.