It’s always smart to be prepared for the worst. Being ready can really help things go smoother when something unexpected happens. If you’ve thought ahead about potential incidents, you’ll likely stay calm when others might be stressed out. Accident kits are a great way to make sure you have everything you might need. For example, if you or your kids get a minor injury, you can quickly use a Band-Aid or a bandage. Setting up flares to prevent further accidents can be a big help while waiting for assistance.
### Collision Accident Report Kit:
This kit should fit easily in your glove box and will contain all the necessary items to exchange information, collect witness details, and gather insurance information from the other vehicles involved. Keep everything in an envelope that includes a pad of paper, a pen, your vehicle’s registration, a copy of your auto insurance card (always carry a spare), a flashlight, and a disposable camera (your phone might get damaged in the crash). A mini clipboard can be helpful for writing notes. The camera is essential for taking photos of the vehicles before they’re moved, which helps if there’s a dispute about the accident later on.
### Trunk Kit:
In your trunk, put together an accident box. This box can include road flares, light sticks, reflectors, signs, and other helpful items. A fire extinguisher can be critical in case of a fire, as it can help contain it before it gets worse. Don’t forget a first aid kit for treating burns, cuts, and applying big bandages. Plastic gloves are useful to avoid contact with blood while helping others. Wipes or moist towelettes are great for cleaning up after an accident and can help calm people down once they see that most of the blood is from minor injuries. A clean towel, pillow, and blanket can help prop someone up, keep them warm, or stop bleeding.
Not every emergency is a crash. Sometimes it’s a flat tire, a car that won’t start, or an overheating engine. Make sure you’re ready for these situations, too. Always carry jumper cables, a tire jack, a tire gauge, a spare tire, extra fuses, a bottle of oil, and a bottle of water in case your engine overheats. If you’re driving in winter, keep chains, a small folding shovel, and a windshield scraper in your car for handling snow and icy conditions.