Having a Breakdown
AAA recently released a study highlighting the most common calls for roadside help. Unsurprisingly, that list was topped by battery failures, flat tires, and key problems.
Breaking down on the side of the road is never fun, but equipment failure in a remote location or inclement weather can be downright dangerous. Encourage your students to prepare for emergencies by carrying the proper gear. Remember: Even brand new vehicles or those that are in—seemingly—good condition can experience problems without warning!
General Emergencies
Cones, Flares, Reflectors, LED Flashing Lights
Take a tip from truckers and carry cones, flares, a reflective triangle, or LED flashing lights to warn other drivers of your presence. Oftentimes, drivers fail to give adequate space to vehicles stopped along the side of the road; don't give other motorists an excuse by failing to let them know you're there.First Aid Kit
Whether you need it for general boo-boos (those kids just won't settle down in the back seat!) or you injure yourself working on your broken down vehicle, a good first aid kit can be handy. The Red Cross suggests that an automotive first aid kit include bandages and gauze, antibiotic ointment, non-latex gloves, and more.
Fire Extinguisher
Vehicle fires can be extremely dangerous, and the best advice is to get away from your car as fast as you can if one breaks out. For a minimal fire, though, an extinguisher can easily prevent a small flame from getting out of control.Handy Tools
Flashlight
It seems no one ever gets a flat on a dry, warm, sunny afternoon. But even if you're weather-fortunate, you might need to see into a shaded area of the engine compartment or wheel well. Make it easy on yourself by carrying a flashlight with good batteries.Work Gloves
Some folks wear a single glove when they pump gas, in order to keep the smell off their hand. Add its mate and you'll have a pair handy for working on your vehicle.(Paper) Towels
A few shop towels or a roll of paper towels can be helpful to clean up messes.Screwdriver(s) and Wrench(es)
A multi-tip screwdriver (or straight and Phillips screwdrivers) and an adjustable wrench (or a small set of wrenches) are great for quick, on-the-road fixes. A utility/pocket knife and a general purpose spray lubricant could also be useful.Binding Elements
Make sure you have a few bungee cords and some duct tape to keep things together when they fall apart.Spare Parts
Don't load up your vehicle with a bunch of dead weight. But a stash of a few spare bulbs/fuses or other small parts might prove invaluable if there's a problem on the road.Tire Pressure Gauge
A properly inflated tire not only gets better gas mileage and provides better traction, but is also less likely to be punctured. A good standard gauge is the Accu-Gage 60 PSI Dial or the Accu-Gage H100X.A fun (though potentially less accurate) alternative is this set of four tire valve stem caps from Victor that change color when tires become low on air.
Jumper Cables
Cold-climate motorists don't leave home without a good pair of jumper cables. But they can be helpful in all conditions, whether you need a jump or you're trying to provide the helpful hand that someone else needs.Cold-Weather Items
Always remember to clear snow/ice from your vehicle's windows and lights before driving. And if your vehicle becomes stranded in a snowstorm, stay with it; most deaths occur when motorists wander away from their vehicle and get lost!
Also make sure to carry a winter survival kit that includes warm clothing/blankets, matches and candles, and high-energy foods. Beyond that, these items can help you to get out of situations where traction is poor:
Shovel
If you drive in a climate or terrain where you might get bogged down in snow or mud, a shovel can be a necessity. A durable, foldable shovel stores neatly and can get you out of tough spots when needed.Traction Enhancers
Sand, salt, or kitty litter can help to improve traction if you get caught in snow. Traction mats (plastic troughs that you can lay down in front of your wheels to provide traction) are also good.Few things are as frustrating as having car problems on the road and being stuck without the right tools or supplies, and these suggestions are merely a good start. Take a few minutes now to make sure you're equipped to handle whatever your vehicle can throw at you!
