As winter gives us a clear picture of what dangers lurk for drivers, we want to remind you to be prepared for those unexpected pitfalls that lurk on highways and busy streets across the country.
Emergency kits can be purchased at auto shops, department stores or packed by you, the responsible motorist. Here are the must-haves of every car emergency kit:
1. Cell phone
2. First-aid kit with Band-Aids, adhesive tape, gauze pads, aspirin, antiseptic or ointment
3. Three reflective warning triangles or road flares - While many prepackaged emergency kits contain one warning triangle (place these 50 feet apart to warn oncoming traffic).
4. Foam tire sealant – helps repair many flats without changing the tire.
5. Jumper cables - They should be at least 10 feet in length and coated with at least 8-gauge rubber.
6. Flashlight and batteries. The flashlight should be waterproof.
7. Gloves and light colored rags
8. Duct tape
9. Leatherman Tool or Swiss Army Knife
10. Rain poncho – Just imagine changing a tire in the pouring rain – in a t-shirt.
11. Drinking water and Nonperishable snacks
12. Blanket
13. Cat litter - For getting out of mud, sand, snow and wet grass
14. Windshield ice scraper.