Recipe for a vehicle emergency kit

The most careful drivers can still experience a traffic accident. Every driver should be prepared for the worst scenario. Especially in bad weather, carrying a few essentials in your vehicle will help you stay calm, cool, and collected if you are stuck or hurt.

Washington is no stranger to bad weather. The Issaquah Times recently warned residents of the winter storm warning earlier this week, which brought snow and rain to various parts of the state. This amount of precipitation can create dangerous road conditions. For that reason, the article advises drivers to assemble an emergency kit in case of an accident.

A good vehicle emergency kit will include tools for communication, health and safety, and basic repair supplies in addition to your insurance information. Drivers can keep a bag in their back seat, glove compartment, or trunk with items to help them get back on the road – or at least to safety.

Items you may want to add to your kit include:

• Cell phone charger (and phone)
• Flashlight
• Bandages and antiseptics
• Duct tape
• Scissors, utility knife, or multipurpose tool
• Tire gauge and spare tire
• Jumper cables
• Umbrella

Your emergency kit will probably change according to your needs. In snowy areas, drivers may want to add a shovel, ice scraper, hat, and gloves to their list. Parents might want extra supplies to keep their children safe and warm. Those who have a medical condition might want certain devices or medications on hand in case of a serious crash.

Issaquah is well-known for this wet, slushy weather. Although you might be used to the precipitation affecting the roads, sometimes your safety is out of your control.

Cars and trucks are more likely to slide through intersections or spin into other vehicles when the road is slippery. However, you should speak to an attorney about accident liability to see if you have a personal injury claim.