On a recent drive home from work I experienced a roadside break down. Luckily I was close to home a quick call to my wife saved the day. (and a lot of harassment from my wife)
My 1995 K1500 Silverado got low on gas and as old trucks do. NEVER notified of low fuel… So I ran out of gas along side an extremely busy road during rush hour traffic.
I have always wanted to do a video on roadside safety in the event of a roadside break down. Well, it happened organically and here are a few tips to keep yourself safe during a road side emergency situation. Watch Video here (different from the text below)
A basic roadside emergency kit should include some of the following items:
- Jumper cables. Or you can carry a small, portable, lithium-ion battery with jumper cables. Usually, these batteries will also recharge computers and cell phones. Prices for these batteries range from $60-$200. If you go the battery route, though, make sure to keep it charged (the on listed above will keep charged for up to 12 months)
- Flares or triangle reflectors. LED flares are also an option worth considering.
- A quart or more of motor oil
- A gallon of coolant
- First-aid kit
- Blanket or space blanket
- Flashlight and extra batteries
- Tool kit with screwdrivers, pliers, adjustable wrench, pocket knife
- A can of tire inflator and sealant such as Fix-a-Flat
- Tire pressure gauge
- Paper towels
- Spray bottle with washer fluid
- Ice scraper (if you live in an area with snow)
- Pen and paper
- Granola or energy bars
- Bottled water
Once you have assembled your roadside emergency kit, find a good way to keep these items together in your trunk so they don’t roll around. Even a simple cardboard box works well. A backpack is another option. But make sure the kit is quickly accessible because you might need it in a hurry.
You also can buy pre-assembled emergency roadside kits that come in handy storage bags to keep the items organized. A quick Internet or Amazon search will locate dozens of such kits ranging in price and size. This DIY kit requires more work, but covers more than just the basic items i’ve listed here.
Source: edmunds.com
