Why Vehicle Preparedness Matters
Vehicle emergencies can happen anywhere. A breakdown, accident, or severe weather can leave you stranded — sometimes in dangerous conditions. Being prepared means having supplies, knowing what to do, and staying safe until help arrives.
🚗 Common Vehicle Emergencies
- Flat tires or blowouts
- Dead battery
- Running out of fuel
- Overheating engine
- Accidents and collisions
- Getting stuck in snow, mud, or ice
Building Your Car Emergency Kit
Keep an emergency kit in your vehicle year-round and check it seasonally.
📦 Essential Car Kit
- Jumper cables
- Flashlight + batteries
- First aid kit
- Reflective triangles
- Phone charger
- Bottled water
- Non-perishable snacks
- Blanket
- Work gloves
- Basic tools
- Tire pressure gauge
- Paper maps
❄️ Winter Additions
- Ice scraper
- Small shovel
- Sand or cat litter
- Extra warm clothing
- Hand warmers
- Extra blankets
Pulling Over Safely
If you experience car trouble while driving, how you pull over matters for your safety.
🚗 Safe Pullover Steps
- Signal early: Turn on hazard lights immediately
- Move right: Get to the right shoulder or exit
- Get far off road: Pull as far from traffic as possible
- Stay visible: Set up triangles/flares if safe to exit
🚨 Highway Safety
On highways, STAY IN YOUR VEHICLE with seatbelt on if you cannot get far from traffic. Call 911 if in a dangerous location.
What to Do After an Accident
🚗 After a Collision
- Check for injuries: Check yourself and passengers. Call 911 if anyone is hurt.
- Move to safety: If drivable and safe, move out of traffic.
- Turn on hazards: Alert other drivers.
- Call police: Even for minor accidents, get a police report.
- Exchange info: Names, phone, insurance, license plates.
- Document: Take photos of damage, positions, road conditions.
- Don't admit fault: Be factual but don't accept blame at the scene.
Waiting for Help Safely
🚗 While You Wait
- Stay with your vehicle: Easier for help to find you.
- Keep doors locked: Be cautious of strangers.
- Crack a window: If running engine for heat, prevent CO buildup.
- Check exhaust: In snow, make sure tailpipe isn't blocked.
- Conserve phone battery: You may need it.
- Know your location: Note mile markers or landmarks.
⚠️ Carbon Monoxide Warning
Never run your car in enclosed space. If stranded in snow, check exhaust is clear. Run engine only 10-15 min/hour.
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