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Being prepared for a roadside emergency is critical, which is why it is important to have safety tools in your vehicle. The following list can be used a guide for you to stay safe on the road should a car accident or other emergency situation occurs.
A window breaker is a lifesaving tool and can be used in many different situations. If you ever drive your vehicle into a body of water and only have seconds to exit the vehicle, you may need to break the window.
If you have children or a family member with a disability, a seat belt cutter can be used to help them escape the car in an emergency. You can use a seat belt cutter in many different emergency situations. While most emergency tools typically go in the trunk of your car, this item should be placed in the console of your vehicle for easy access.
You may have experienced a dead car battery before. Perhaps you left your headlights on or the battery needed to be replaced. Jumper cables will allow another motorist to jumpstart your vehicle so that you can arrive safely at your destination.
If you are not mechanically inclined, you can have your local auto parts store or repair shop check your battery to make sure that it does not need to be replaced. Carrying a set of your jumper cables in your trunk is ideal, and it could save you from being stranded far away from home.
A tire repair kit can be cumbersome, depending on what you decide to put in it, however, it can also contain the bare minimum. If you drive an older car, you should utilize a tire gauge to check your tire’s air pressure to see if it needs air. Your vehicle’s dashboard should have an icon that illuminates when the pressure is low. You should at least have a reliable spare tire and a jack in your truck in case you need to change a flat tire.
A portable car charger unit can have up to 20,000 milliamp-hours (mAh) and various USB ports that will allow you to charge not only your cellphone, but also allow other passengers to charge their devices. This can be useful in an emergency and if you are stranded on the road.
An ideal toolbox will have a Phillips-head and a flathead screwdriver, a set of pliers, and a flashlight. These tools are ideal when you come across situations that require a screw to be tightened or need some light to examine the exterior of your vehicle or your motor.
You never know when you will need a first aid kit, which should be equipped with bandages, ointment, and alcohol wipes. Rubber gloves, medical tape, and tweezers are also essential items to carry in your first aid kit.
Why should you carry an extra set of clothes in your vehicle? Extra clothes provide warmth should you ever get stranded on a cold day. You should store gloves, socks, a jacket and/or sweatshirt, and a warm hat in your trunk. It is also beneficial to have a blanket in your car. Additionally, having a set of bright-colored clothes can help you get someone’s attention if you are stranded.
For added protection, you can purchase an alarm that has an extremely loud sound that can be heard from far away. Some alarms can also be purchased as a key ring that you can fasten to your keys in case of an emergency.
If you are in an emergency situation and pulled to the side of the road, you are in a vulnerable position. Pepper spray can be helpful in this situation. You should keep pepper spray in your purse or glove compartment in case you encounter a threat.
It is important to ensure you have the correct tools on hand to keep you safe when you travel on the road. However, it is also important to know how to act in an emergency situation. It is critical that when you encounter an emergency on the road that you remain calm. If you let your nerves get the best of you, you might make the situation worse.
Thinking about potential hazards will help you decide what items you want to store in your vehicle. If you are a parent, think about what items will help keep you and your children safe.
Having safety tools in your car is important, and you should review what items you need. However, not all motorists are prepared or drive safely. If you have been injured by a negligent driver, our knowledgeable Wilmington car accident lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. can help you with your case. Contact us online or call us at 302-656-5445 to schedule a free consultation and to learn more. We are located in Wilmington and Millsboro, Delaware, and we proudly serve clients throughout Dover, New Castle County, and Sussex County.