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How to prepare for a bad day on the road

10/4/2017

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Shorter and wetter days are soon upon us. There’s more risk driving this time of year. Let’s be prepared.
​Stuff happens
​Whether it’s a car accident or a breakdown, bad things happen while driving. It seems like we hear about someone having a “bad day on the road” every week. If it’s not us, or our friends, it’s a friend of a friend. We are closer than “6 Degrees of Kevin Bacon” when it comes to car accidents or breakdowns.
​It’s not a question of “will something happen?”
It’s always a question of “when will something happen?” and “am I ready?”
​Make a list
​I don’t usually do a lot of lists in my articles, but today is an exception. Print this out, then go over it as a family and add to it things that I might have missed.
​So, let’s make a “Bad Day on the Road” list right now.
​The bare-minimum kit
​If you aren’t much into planning; if you are a kind of “grab and go” person, you can still prepare a small kit of essentials for your vehicle. It’s easy, and you should consider doing it today.
INSIDE VEHICLE:
​Proof of insurance card
​Vehicle registration card
​Insurance agent name and number
​Phone charger (and an extra phone battery pack too)
​Small flashlight and extra batteries
​List of emergency contacts written on a 3x5 card (in case you are unconscious)
List of any medical conditions you have, also written on a 3x5 card
​Band-aids and duct tape
Warm blanket and a coat in the winter
​Auto escape tool, for cutting seat belts and breaking windows in an emergency
​IN THE TRUNK:
​More blankets and coats
​Flares, warning lights, reflective triangles or safety cones
​The better kit
​OK... there are more things that really should be added to that list. These are things you’ll wish you had, especially if you run off the road, or are stranded waiting for help. So, add these to the list above:
​INSIDE VEHICLE: Energy bars
​Bottled water
​Emergency cash
​Complete first-aid kit
​Large flashlight and extra battery
​Umbrella and/or rain poncho
​Ice scraper
​Matches or lighter
​Whistle
​Baby wipes
​Multitool (plyers, knife, screwdriver)
​IN THE TRUNK:
​Change of clothes
​Jumper cables
​Fire extinguisher
Windshield washer fluid
​Air pressure gage
​Fix-a-flat spray for short-term tire sealing
​Tire changing tools and a good spare tire
​More duct tape (“the handyman’s secret weapon”)
​Cat litter and carpet remnant (for tire traction)
The ready-for-almost-anything kit
Add these to your lists above, and you’ll feel downright confident should something happen:
Playing cards to pass the time
​Tarp, bungy cords, and rope
​Work gloves
​Reflective vest
Extra antifreeze and oil
​Clean and empty, safety-approved gas can
Portable battery charger
Shovel
Basic tool kit... even if you aren’t a mechanic, one may stop to help.
Final thoughts
​1. Remember to check your tire pressure, make sure tire tread is good, check your oil and fluid levels, and don’t ignore that new weird noise your car is making. Your mechanic is car’s friend. Don’t ignore obvious warning signs.
​2. Consider getting roadside assistance (towing) coverage if you don’t already have it.
3. Make sure your insurance coverage is up to date. Call your agent — especially if it’s been a while.
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    Bruce Sackrison

    Napa, California
    (888) 332-6609

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