No matter who's at fault, collisions that occur in the middle of nowhere during a winter storm can turn into an uncomfortable and even dangerous situation if your car becomes disabled and you didn't come prepared. To ensure that you don't put yourself and your family at risk by being at a loss when your car becomes disabled, use these steps to ensure that you're ready for any mishaps that may occur while driving.
Assemble a winter driving kit
If your car gets stuck, has difficulty operating because of the weather, or simply runs out of fuel during a blizzard, you could have a problem. Of course, scheduling your road trip for some time other than the day of the blizzard is ideal, but to avoid being caught unprepared, make sure your car has a winter driving kit in the trunk before you leave home. This should include essentials such as:
- Spare fuel
- Tire chains
- Tow rope/cable/chain
- Sand or rock salt
- Snow shovel
- Jumper cables
- Spare tire (full size)
- Fire extinguisher
- Ice scraper
- Flares
Pack an emergency supplies kit
If you do get stranded or find yourself in a survival situation for some other reason, having an emergency supplies kit is key. This includes items you'd need to stay safe and healthy while stranded by the side of the road, as well as supplies for getting help. You can have either a bare-bones survival kit that will fit in even a small car or a larger one that will carry you through a greater number of possible contingencies (ideal for winter road trips). A bare-bones kit might include items like:
- Road flares
- Flashlights/headlamps
- Warm blankets and clothing
- Cellphone charger
- A good knife
- Food and water
- Compass
- Emergency contact info
- Matches/firestarter
For a more thorough coverage of contingencies, you could add some more essentials, such as:
- Space blankets
- Moist towelettes
- Paracord
- LCD strobe light
- Emergency radio
- Basic tool set
- Old cellphone (to call 911)
- Disposable battery power pack
If you're likely to have to walk a long ways in deep snow, you'll want to include some snowshoes or skis in your kit as well. And if you'll have to walk any length whether there's snow or not, you'll want a good backpack to carry some of your survival equipment with you on your way back into town. Remember, though, that if you don't know how far the next town is, staying in your car may be your best chance of survival.
