Staying Safe on the Road

Disclosure:  I received the kit below in exchange for sharing this information.

According to a survey completed by State Farm® and KRC Research, 67% of drivers had some sort of “junk” (non-emergency supplies) in their trunk ranging from shoes to toys to used food or drink containers.  Another statistic found was that while nearly all drivers (96%) had at least one emergency item in their vehicle, such as a spare tire or jumper cables, only 5% carried all the emergency roadside equipment one needs (including jumper cables, spare tire, hazard traiange/road flares, flashlight, first aid kit, windshield scraper, water, non-perishable food and a blanket.)  Some drivers even noted they had strange items including an old gorilla costume, inflatable sheep and a wedding dress!

Getting rid of non-essential “junk” is the first step towards being safe on the road.  Even on a short trip, you could find yourself stranded for several hours.  Whether it is because of an accident, weather or mechanical issue, it is important to be as prepared as you can.  I know the weather especially has been crazy across the nation this time of the year.  I think of those people in Georgia who had to leave their cars on the expressway because the roads basically shut down.  I have been stuck myself on the highways here in Chicago for hours before because of an accident that made it impossible to go around.

While I don’t have all the essentials in my car currently, I am working on it.  As a driver who usually has three kids in the car with me, it is especially important to be prepared on the road.  Cell phones make it a lot easier to get nowadays but they shouldn’t be the only thing we rely on.

State Farm insurance encourages responsible driving every day of the year, and especially during cold weather months when inclement weather is more common.  Here is a list of emergency roadside items they recommend having in your car:

• Hazard triangle (with reflectors) or road flares
• First aid kit
• Jumper cables
• Windshield scraper and brush
• Spare tire
• Blankets and extra warm clothing
• Cell phone and charger
• High-calorie, non-perishable food
• Road salt or cat litter to help with tire traction
• Brightly colored distress sign or “Help” or “Call Police” flag
• Candle/matches, lighter, and/or flashlight
• Tarp for sitting or kneeling in the snow for exterior work like a tire change

In addition to having all the items above in your car, it is recommended to check to make sure they are still there and in good condition throughout the year.  The only thing worse than getting a flat tire is finding out that your spare is also flat.  You never never too if something was accidentally removed by someone in your household and never replaced.

VISIT:  For additional information and emergency roadside tips, visit State Farm.

WIN IT:  (1) US winner will receive a Trunk Safety Makeover Kit courtesy of State Farm ($50 Value)

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This Giveaway Ends March 7, 2014.