Have you checked to see if your vehicle has the required safety equipment?
When you’re traveling, it’s not a bad idea to have a safety kit in your vehicle. A good safety kit is protective and has the items you need for minor car repairs, minor-to-moderate injuries and crash safety.
The California Office of Traffic Safety suggests that all drivers carry emergency kits in their vehicles. Doing this, it claims, will help you reach out for help if your vehicle breaks down, if a tire blows or if someone is hurt in a crash.
Do you have the right emergency kit in your vehicle?
Not all emergency kits are made the same or contain the right items. For that reason, the California Office of Traffic Safety has published a list of the items that everyone should have in their vehicles.
The emergency kit basics include:
- Jumper cables, in case your vehicle breaks down
- At least four roadside flares that will last 15 minutes or longer
- A tire pressure gauge
- Duct tape
- One HELP sign at least 8-inches wide and tall
- A small tool kit
Additional kit items that could help in the case of a car crash or breakdown include:
- A first aid kit (the bigger the better)
- A flashlight and batteries in case of a breakdown or crash at night
- Energy bars and water
- Blankets
It isn’t a bad idea to add some extras, either. Some extras that you may want to include in your new safety kit include:
- Motor oil for your vehicle
- Antifreeze
- A pocket knife
- A window breaking tool
- A poncho for rain
- A fire extinguisher
This list isn’t exhaustive. Does it seem long with many items you don’t usually carry with you? OTS wants people to realize that their basic emergency equipment should be enough to handle breakdowns, crashes and, at the very least, minor-to-moderate injuries. Having this equipment with you could help you prevent a car fire from spreading or assist you in staying warm while you wait for emergency teams after a nighttime crash.
Having this kit helps you stay prepared. Add any additional items that you feel would help in an emergency, so you can be prepared if one occurs.
This article is brought to you by Mason Rashtian of The Mason Law Firm, a full-service personal injury attorney and accident lawyer. We represent clients all throughout California and Los Angeles County, including the Santa Clarita Valley, Valencia, Stevenson Ranch, Canyon Country, Newhall, and the entire San Fernando Valley.
We can be reached at (661) 270-5677.
This article is meant for informational purposes only.