I’m terrible at this stuff. When I was a new mom, I was on top of things. I had diapers, food, blankets and water in the back of the car, ready for any emergency. The blankets are still there. I think there are some Barbie bandages in the glove box. And that’s pretty much it for my emergency preparedness.
The latest Pemco Insurance Northwest Poll shows that 83 percent of drivers in Washington and Oregon carry at least one emergency item in their vehicle, but of those prepared drivers, less than half (44 percent) pack extra water, and just 25 percent pack extra food.
There’s a billboard out there that says “winging it is not an emergency plan.” OK, OK… so as I kick myself in gear on this one, I’ll give you the friendly nudge too.
Tips abound for what emergency supplies to have in your basement, office desk — and trunk. Here’s what the state Department of Transportation recommends for an emergency car kit:
- flashlight
- extra batteries
- blanket
- nonperishable food
- water
- gloves
- boots
- first aid kit
- cellphone charger
- tire chains
- ice scraper
- jumper cables
- flares
- kitty litter or sand to help with traction
- whistle to signal for help
Other tips for driving in the winter include keeping the fuel tank above the half-tank mark on winter trips. AAA also recommends drivers have their car or RV serviced before a road trip; cold weather is particularly hard on car batteries.
Reader Karen Greenwalt of Everett also offers a helpful reminder about headlights. “I am concerned about the number of drivers who do not turn on headlights in adverse weather conditions, especially fog and rain,” she said.
The latest Washington Driver’s Guide notes: “By law, your vehicle’s headlights must be turned on from a half hour after sunset until a half hour before sunrise. Lights must also be on any time conditions make it difficult to see people or other vehicles. … Remember, if you turn on your wipers, turn on your headlights.”
In fog or snow, use low beams rather than high beams, which would reflect light back.
There’s more handy tips you may have forgotten since driver’s education in the guide. You can give yourself a refresher online at www.dol.wa.gov.
Have a question? Email us at streetsmarts@heraldnet.com. Please include your name and city of residence. Look for updates on our Street Smarts blog.
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