Having your vehicle prepared in case of an unexpected breakdown or a roadside emergency is something that everybody knows they should do. But how many people actually go ahead and do it?
A couple of weeks ago, my son who lives out West was driving with a friend on a rural road heading to Utah's Bonneville Salt Flats. With spotty cell phone reception, they pulled over safely to the side of the road to consult their road atlas - which I was thankful he had - and make sure they were following the right directions. Unfortunately, my son parked on top of some soft mud and ended up getting stuck - really stuck. After nearly five hours, they were finally able to get help thanks to a police officer who happened to be driving by.
This situation wasn't just a lesson for my son, but also for me on the importance of being prepared. Hopefully a vehicle breakdown or roadside emergency never happens to you, but if it does, know what to do with these tips that we share in our Smart Driver course:
- Have a reaction plan. Precautionary measures should always be taken, and the easiest way is to keep your vehicle well-maintained. In the cold winter months, I make sure to regularly check the air pressure in all tires, tire tread wear, and my vehicle's fluids. Unfortunately in situations like my son's, that's not enough. So you should also stay one step ahead by carrying an emergency roadside kit in your vehicle. It should contain signaling devices, a pocket knife, a flashlight, a first aid kit, water, and nonperishable food items. In cold-weather locations, it should also include a warm blanket. For frequent travelers, consider a roadside assistance service.
While my son and his friend followed some of these tips, they definitely were not fully prepared. That's why I got them an emergency roadside kit over the holidays, fit with a blanket. If a roadside emergency should ever arise again, at least I know he'll be much more prepared.
For more tips on how to stay safe on the road, consider taking a driver improvement course, such as the AARP Smart Driver™ course, available online or in a classroom setting near you. For more information, please visit www.aarp.org/drive.