The winter season brings snow and ice to our roads, which can cause many accidents and collisions. In winter, an accident may leave you stranded for hours, so we’ve put together a short list of things every driver should keep in the car for safety.
Cold Weather Clothes
In winter, it’s possible to get stuck in your car for a long time in the cold due to an accident or collision. Depending on the location, it may be hours or even longer before AAA or law enforcement can arrive to assist—especially in hazardous weather conditions.
Should you have to stay in your car for an extended period, you and your passengers need to keep warm, so have extra winter clothes and similar items in your trunk, such as:
- Gloves
- Hats
- Blankets
- Old sweatshirts or jackets
- Warm socks
- Winter boots
In winter, staying warm is vital, so ensure you’ve got the right gear in your car.
Tire Chains
When winter arrives in regions with a lot of snow and ice throughout the season, every driver should keep tire chains in their car. Hopefully, you’ll never need them, but for those times of the year when snow and ice coat the roads, they’re the best tools for driving safely in hazardous conditions.
Along with tire chains, every driver should have a spare tire in their car, no matter the weather. Make sure you’ve got the right type when choosing between donuts and full-size spare tires.
Food & Water
If you get stranded in your car during a snowstorm and are far from assistance, you’ll need food and water to maintain your energy and well-being. A supply of water and non-perishable food instantly makes the situation safer and you and your passengers more comfortable while you wait for help.
Always keep a few jugs of water in your trunk and some non-perishable food items such as granola bars or beef jerky.
Pro Tip: If you or someone you frequently drive with, such as a family member, require medicine regularly, keep an extra dosage in the car for emergencies.
Shovel & Traction Materials
Tire chains may not be enough to escape winter’s grip if you get stuck in snow and ice on the side of the road. In that case, you may have to dig your car out of the snow, so having a shovel and some traction supplies in your car would be handy.
You can find small, portable, and capable snow shovels in many auto shops, and for traction, a simple bag of salt, sand, or cat litter can do the trick. Shovel as much snow away from your tires as possible, then place some traction around them to give your car an excellent means of escape.
