Anyone driving on a road trip or somewhere remote should know the basic safety protocols and what items to bring.
Nobody living in California wants to have to deal with a catastrophic accident, but unfortunately, things can sometimes spiral out of control very quickly. Whether driving a car, truck, or motorcycle, every motorist should be prepared for the worst. A proper roadside emergency kit contains a first aid that can be used in the case of an accidental injury, as well as some other important items that can help prevent a bad situation from becoming worse. It is also important for people to be aware of some general safety strategies and precautions so that they can minimize problems when one of these unwanted incidents does take place.
The necessary components of an emergency kit
Some of the items that every driver should keep in their car are useful for simple occasions, like jumper cables for when a car will not start. The following list from the California Highway Patrol includes some necessities for emergency situations as well:
- Keep a nylon rope of at least 12 feet in length in case a vehicle needs to be pulled or towed.
- A small tool kit is essential for every vehicle for quick repairs and any other situations that might call for the use of tools.
- Not only should every driver keep a tire pressure gauge, but they should also check their tire pressure at regular intervals, like whenever filling up at a gas station.
- A first aid kit should include basic supplies such as disinfectant, bandages, and gauze in case someone is bleeding and it needs to be staunched.
- In case the vehicle gets stranded in a remote location, it is a good idea to keep some basic energy bars and some bottled water on hand. These should be switched out yearly to avoid having expired rations.
Another important thing to remember is a flashlight and extra batteries, in case something happens at night time and the car loses power.
General safety pointers
Beyond having a well-stocked emergency kit, it is also important to know some safety basics. If there has been an explosion or emergency, such as a flood, affecting the stability of a roadway, it is a good idea to avoid bridges and areas that have been saturated with water. If a flood is happening, drivers should remember that they could lose control by even trying to drive through six inches of water. It is also good to have appropriate tires for the weather and season, including chains for icy winter conditions.
Anyone in California who has been injured due to an accident or other unexpected incident may need financial compensation to deal with expensive medical costs, as well as the difficulties of pain and suffering. An attorney in the local area who practices personal injury law may be able to help in such matters.
