Driver safety is always a major concern. We typically attempt to make sure certain maintenance performed on our vehicles. But to truly be safe, drivers have to prepare for the unexpected.
Wiper Blades
It never fails. As soon as you stop thinking about your windshield wiper blades, the weather takes a turn for the worse. You never realize how badly in need of replacements you are. Until your attempts to clear the view, actually makes your view worse. And the same way you can’t wait until your gas tank is on E before stopping at a gas station, you shouldn’t let a winter storm catch you unawares. Just as important as gasoline is to keeping you on the road, so is clear vision.
Mobile phone
The point of the mobile phone is to give you access to others no matter where you are. Same thing goes for their access to you. As convenient as cell phones may be, they haven’t invented the unlimited power battery yet. But losing power happens to the best of us. When our phones lose power, we’re incommunicado. Depending on where you’re located, you may need to walk to safety. No problem for most of us, but how about in the freezing winter temperatures. Investing in a car charger would be a wise decision.
Blanket & Shoes
Inside your car may seem like a strange place to keep a blanket. Its use will become very apparent when you’ve broken down, had an accident, or otherwise find yourself stranded. Many times you’ll have nothing to do but wait inside the car in the cold. In addition, if you are able to walk away from the car towards safety, a pair of boots should definitely be on hand. There is a large number of formerly sturdy grounds that will have become hard to travel during the winter. Even the shoulder of the highway can be a dangerous place to walk without the proper footwear.
Breaking the Ice
All drivers have to deal with ice on the car windows. It stops you before you ever get started in the morning. There are several methods that people use, depending on what works best for them. Some people use their handy scrapers to chip away at the ice. Others may pour warm water, or spray rubbing alcohol over the windows. The point is to know your preferred method and make sure you have all the necessary equipment. The last thing you want is to be late for work just because you weren’t prepared to break the ice and clear your vision.
Flashlight
A flashlight is always a good tool to keep in the car. Traveling by foot at night, whether in the winter or summer, will benefit from a good flashlight. The cold in winter will just make the travel that much more uncomfortable. But without a good flashlight, it might be impossible.
