If you know what steps to take if a roadside emergency happens, you will feel better prepared for the one. If you find yourself in such a situation, such as a flat tire, dead battery, or forgetting to check the gas before the light turns E, the following suggestions will help you stay safe and be prepared to deal with such emergencies.
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Proper helping tools
Carrying an emergency kit in your car is a simple and powerful way to stay safe and be prepared for any kind of roadside accident. You can either buy a pre-made kit from a shop or online, or you can assemble your own kit. It should be weather-specific, include supplies that will be of great help to you, and ideally, you should have more than one. Some of the most important things to include are:
- Emergency medical supplies
- Light source
- Adapter wires
- Warning lights
- Perishable food items and water
- Throw blanket
- Clean and empty reusable gas container
- Multipurpose tool
Turn off the engine
You may be considering curling up in the warmth of your car during the winter, but try to resist the urge. There is a risk of carbon monoxide gas seepage into your vehicle due to the proximity of the exhaust pipe to the ground. Snow makes this situation even more dangerous as it can obstruct the exhaust pipe.
Move to a safe place
As soon as an emergency happens, try to get your car off the road and move to a safer place. It can be quite dangerous to stay on the road, as other vehicles may not see you and could cause even bigger accidents, for example, rear-end ones. In this situation, you should contact lawyers for rear-end collision cases who can help you protect your rights and ensure maximum compensation. These accidents can be quite serious and cause severe injuries, so moving your car to the safe side should be your priority. If you can’t move it for any reason, then make sure you turn on your hazard lights to make yourself visible and warn other drivers to avoid you.
Keep your lights on
While it’s okay to switch off your car’s lights when parked, doing so reduces your visibility in low-light conditions. Lights will make other drivers safer, but can also notify authorities that you need their help. To better notify other drivers that you are experiencing troubles, you can also use flares, warning lights, or a hazard triangle if they are included in your emergency kit.
Call for help
It is crucial to get help whenever you need it, as you cannot always solve problems on your own. If an emergency happens, a roadside help service can alleviate some of the anxiety, particularly if you are in an unfamiliar area, especially at night or in bad weather. Contact your car insurer or manufacturer to ask whether they provide on-demand roadside help. Of course, if someone is hurt or there is some other kind of emergency, call 911.
Dress for the weather
To be on the safe side, you should dress for the weather before you go out on the road. Before you leave the house, gather all the essentials. Being stuck on the side of the road, especially if you are alone, can be quite terrifying. The best choice is to stay in the car. In inclement weather, your car can protect you from the elements while also making it easier for others to notice you. Lock the doors, try not to fall asleep, and wait for help to arrive. If it’s winter, you should have a throw blanket, snow shovel, and icebreaker with you to make it easier to deal with this kind of situation. On the other hand, during the summer, you should have enough water and sun protection with you.
Know the basic car maintenance
If you have even a modest knowledge of your car’s maintenance, it can be much easier for you to prevent roadside emergencies. Learn how to check the pressure in your tires, as well as the oil and coolant levels. Get to know some of the most important parts, like the jack, lug wrench, and spare tire. You can find all of this in a vehicle handbook. Also, learn how to change a tire and jump a dead battery, as this will all make you feel safer in case of an emergency.
Stay safe
Before the help comes, make sure you and your passengers are safe. Sit in the car and buckle up if you are on a busy road, such as a highway. Remember to park your car somewhere safe, like on the side of the road, if you can. If you are in some more distant and isolated area, lock your doors and roll up the windows. Do not leave any important things outside and don’t accept help or ride from strangers, as you never know what kind of intentions they have.
Use technology
You probably already know how smartphones have changed our lives, and even more so when it comes to emergencies. Thanks to them, you can use navigation apps to find helping services near you more easily. You can also install a roadside assistance app. Checking the weather forecast can also help if you are stuck somewhere far from everyone.
Have emergency contacts
You should always have contacts of emergency services, roadside help, and your family and friends on a list of the most important contacts you can call in any emergency. Don’t just keep them on your phone, as no one nowadays learns those numbers by heart. Rather, write them on a piece of paper and keep them in your car always, as you can easily reach this list whenever you need it.
Nobody is really safe from roadside emergencies. They can happen to anyone at any time, and usually when we least expect them. However, if you are ready for them and know how to deal with them, everything will be much easier. From basic safety measures to knowing whom to call, you should follow all the steps we have mentioned here to keep yourself safe on the road.