7 Items You Need in Your Car Accident Emergency Kit
Many people dedicate a significant portion of time inside their vehicles - commuting to work, shuttling your children to extracurricular activities, or embarking on vacations - it's important to recognize that your car might lack the important tools needed in an unforeseen emergency.
Ensuring that your vehicle is equipped with an emergency kit at all times is important in safeguarding your family during various unexpected events. Wondering about the key items you should include in your car's emergency kit? Here are some essential recommendations:
1. First-Aid Supplies
Having a first aid kit should be a top priority. Inside your first aid kit, be sure to include the following:
- Tourniquets
- Gauze
- Bandages
- A thermometer
- Ointment
- Antiseptic wipes
- Aspirin
- Tylenol
- Tweezers
- First aid instruction book
- A list of your family member's medical allergies and conditions
- Compress dressings
- Cold packs
As you use these items, be sure to replace them. Remember to take an inventory of your first aid kit twice yearly to check if anything has expired and replace what has.
2. Flashlight with Extra Batteries
A flashlight will be critical if you get in an accident at night or parts that are difficult to see become damaged. Remember to include batteries in the flashlight and an extra set, in case yours expires or needs replacing. Unfortunately, you cannot rely on the flashlight on your phone, as this could quickly become destroyed in a car crash.
3. Extra Clothes​
When cold weather hits or you find yourself caught in the rain, having extra dry clothing could help you avoid illness after an accident. This is also a great idea if you have young children who might require a change of clothes due to an accident if you get stuck for hours on the road.
4. Flares & Emergency Triangles
You might not have thought about purchasing emergency triangles and flares before. But including them in your emergency kit is a great way to plan ahead and protect yourself if you wind up stuck on the roads.
There have been far too many incidents where car wreck victims find themselves in a second collision because other drivers did not see the victim's vehicle in time to avoid a crash. Flares are also an excellent option for accidents that happen at night or in remote areas where you may need to signal for help.
5. Extra Bottles of Water
If you get stuck on a hot highway after a crash, you will want extra water bottles in your emergency kit. These could even save you from life-threatening dehydration if you get stuck for a significant amount of time before you can be rescued.
6. Blankets
Be sure to include a few extra blankets in case the weather takes becomes colder. These can also offer young children some comfort when they have been involved in a traumatizing experience like a car accident.
7. Emergency Tools
When your car breaks down or you are involved in a collision, you may need specific tools to help get you through these difficult moments. Some of these tools could include:
- Seat belt cutting tools
- Scissors
- A vehicle jack
- A window breaker
- A hammer
- A basic tool kit with essentials
These items can come in handy if you are being held in place by your seat belt, need to make essential repairs, or find yourself submerged in water and need to break the car windows.
Other Items to Keep in Your Vehicle In Case Of a Collision
In addition to what has been listed above, there are several other items you should also keep in your vehicle at all times, including:
- Non-perishable food items
- A second phone charger and charging block
- A notepad and pen so you can write down what happened
- A written copy of your emergency contacts and important phone numbers
- A disposable camera or camera phone to take photos of the accident scene
- Extra oil, coolant, and other fluids
- A fire extinguisher
- A pocket knife
- A set of jumper cables and manual
- A bag of sand or cat litter to gain traction when stuck in the snow
These are just a few of the different tools and items that should be included in your emergency kit and kept in your vehicle at all times. Think carefully about other emergency items you might include specific to your family's needs. For example, if your kids have severe allergies, you may want to include an extra epi-pen or other life-saving medications.
You might also keep a few toys, books, coloring books, or games on hand to reduce your children's anxiety after such a stressful event. These items could make all the difference in the aftermath of a devastating car accident or vehicle trouble.
Get Help From a Car Accident Lawyer in New Mexico
An experienced New Mexico car accident lawyer at Law Giant Injury Lawyers can take over the legalities and help you make the liable party pay after a crash. Contact our office to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation today.
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