Prepare for a Winter Roadside Emergency

Leaving the house to take a drive in the winter should be done with caution. The roads can be slippery even when they look clear, and the weather can change quickly. Roadside emergencies can happen in any weather, but they are especially dangerous in the winter cold. Check out these tips for winter roadside emergencies and get prepared before the weather gets cold.

A survival kit is essential in the winter but can be useful all year long. When you are putting together your survival kit, put in things that will help you survive until help arrives. Items should include a blanket or two, a small shovel, an ice scraper, a flashlight and batteries, ice melt or kitty litter, emergency flares or reflective triangles, a cell phone car charger, some snack foods that will keep in your trunk, a first aid kit, booster cables, and extra socks. 

Running out of gas is not something you want to happen out on the highway. Even if you have roadside assistance, an empty gas tank means waiting in the cold for long periods of time. The best option is to fill the tank as often as you can and be aware of what the fuel level is before you head out on the road. If you are not sure that you can make it to your destination with the current amount of fuel in your car, stop and fill the tank before you start. 

Unless you know what is wrong with the car, don't spend a lot of time out in the cold trying to repair it. Call for help and stay warm inside if possible. A flat tire might be an exception, but working hard to repair or free the car if it is stuck will cause you to sweat. Wet clothing is not going to keep you warm, so unless you are sure your activity is going to result in getting back on the road, wait for help to arrive. 

Have some reflective flags in your survival kit. If you are broken down for an extended period, any flares you put out will burn down and eventually go out. Attach the flag to your car so that anytime someone comes by, they can see the flag. Reflective road triangles are also good. Put them a few hundred feet behind your, so drivers coming along see them before they get to your car. The triangles will give drivers time to slow down and alert them that you are in trouble. 

Don't wait to call for help. If you are stuck and you know you can't get the car out, call for some help right away. A local towing service or a roadside assistance club can get someone out to help you. The priority is saving time, and if the companies are busy, it may take some time to get to you. The sooner you call for help, the shorter the wait may be.