Last month, we recommended using the FORCES acronym to complete the winter driving checks on your car. This month, we're sticking with our winter safety theme with these recommendations. The following is a list of items that should comprise an Emergency Car Kit - and could very well save your life!
The Bare Minimum:
Food and drink
- Important for staying hydrated, keeping blood sugar levels balanced, and energy levels up... not to mention avoiding the inevitable "I'm hungry!" from any travel companions.
Blanket and/or warm clothing
- Waiting for roadside assistance in the winter months will be COLD. Keep yourself comfortable with some spare jackets, gloves, and blankets. This is especially important if you're travelling with children or the elderly.
High vis
- Not the most fashionable of items - but if you need to get out of your car in the dark, you need to be visible to other drivers.
A fully-charged mobile phone (or at least a charger!)
- Love them or hate them, mobile phones are real game changers. With this, you've got maps, your location, your breakdown service contact, the number of the nearest mechanic, and an emergency call (either a literal emergency call, or a 'dad, come pick me up' call). Plus - you've got games to keep you entertained while you wait!
First aid kit
- Pretty self-explanatory... and worth having in the car all year round.
Helpful items:
- Ice scraper and de-icer
- Tow rope
- Jump leads
- De-icing salt
- Emergency warning triangle
- Snow shovel
- Snow chains or snow socks
- Sturdy boots and a set of ice grips
- Tyre inflator
- Torch
- Spare car bulbs
These items might sound a bit much right now - but you'll be glad to have them if you do find yourself broken down in winter!
