Winter driving tipsWhen a vehicle breaks down in the slippery winter season, freezing temperatures, precipitation, icy roads, limited visibility, and weather delays can strand motorists in life-threatening situations. Having a well-stocked winter survival kit in your vehicle will help you remain safe in this type of situation until help arrives.

Preparation and attention to detail are crucial to ensuring that you and your passengers remain safe in the event of an emergency. Whether you purchase a pre-made emergency kit or assemble your own, use the following checklist to ensure that your winter survival kit contains all of the essential components.

Items to include:

  • Battery-Operated Radio
  • First Aid Kit
  • Jumper Cables
  • Paper Maps/Road Atlas
  • Matches/Lighters/Candle
  • Sand/Kitty Litter
  • Gloves/Hand Warmers/Hat
  • Flashlight & Extra Batteries
  • Snow Brush/Ice Scraper/Shovel
  • Road Flares/Signaling Device 

Including the items above will prove sufficient for building a basic winter survival kit for your vehicle. However, some drivers have longer commutes and travel through rural areas, which creates additional risks, as roadside assistance may not be able to arrive as quickly. Including the following supplementary items in your winter survival kit will help you ensure that you are prepared in the event that you are stranded for several hours or even overnight.

  • Fire Extinguisher
  • Warm Blankets
  • Non-Perishable Food Items/Water
  • Cell Phone Chargers
  • Extra Clothing & Footwear
  • Tool Kit & Knife

Always check the weather forecast before leaving on a road trip or commute. Winter weather is surprising and dynamic; driving conditions change and deteriorate rapidly. Keeping a winter survival kit in your vehicle at all times will help you ensure that you and your passengers remain safe during the treacherous winter season.

At Knapton, Reade & Woods, your safety is important to us. For additional winter driving safety tips and other useful resources, please read our blog, or visit us on  Facebook,  Twitter,  LinkedIn and  Google+.