Winter is coming, with that comes more risk when travelling but of course, you should always be prepared. Trouble can strike at any time and it always helps to be prepared. Whether travelling alone, or with the children, there are some essentials that you should always have on hand before heading out, especially on a long journey. Here are my car safety essentials for long journeys, incase of emergencies…
Non-Perishable and Long-Life Snacks
In addition to the journey itself (to keep the kids distracted and quiet for example) snacks are very important for you and your passengers to eat in the event of an emergency. Pick some long life, easy to store snacks to keep in the car, incase of unexpected delays or emergencies.
Water
You should have water with you on every journey. As well as for yourself and passengers, it is also useful to have handy for the car itself in the event it is needed. Naturally, reusable bottles are the way to go. Be sure to use a separate bottle for the car and for drinking water, and be safe with the drinking water; empty the bottle and clean it regularly, before refilling with fresh water.
First Aid Kit
Accidents can happen without a moment’s notice and come in many different forms. There are many reasons why every vehicle should have a first aid kit. Invest in something suitable such as a First Aid Kit you find online with buycarparts.co.uk
Space Blankets
Whether to give smaller a bit of extra warmth whist they sleep and you drive or to keep warm with the car off in an emergency, blankets, sleeping bags or space blankets are all very important pieces of journey preparedness.
Phone Charger
Who ya gonna call? Well, if you break down or are in an accident; breakdown cover, insurance or family/ friend are good places to start. However, you could be stranded for a long time and if anyone is coming out to you, they may call to confirm location (or whether you’re ok). Keeping your phone charged then, is very important. It is even better if you have a power bank to charge from too.
Scraper
If there is one thing you need to be able to do when driving, it is see! An iced windscreen is the antithesis of visibility. Fortunately, it is easily remedied by a scraper. However, I would warn against de-icers unless absolutely necessary; they aren’t good for the environment and can be toxic to animals if they get access to the snow, ice or water that comes from the car.
Jump Cables
It’s shocking how few cars actually have a set of jump cables spare. There is nothing worse after a long journey though than finding your battery is drained as you are about to head home. A set of jump cables and a willing friend or a kind stranger are a simple solution for this.
Torch and Batteries
Before you look at your phone and start singing “baby, you light up my world like nobody else” (yeah I’m down with the kids), remember that if stranded at night, you may need to conserve power on it. It is much more prudent to have a torch (and some spare batteries) for light inside the car and out.
Pen and Paper
Whether it is to take notes on the situation, to jot down instructions from breakdown cover or to play noughts and crosses (tic tac toe); a pen and paper is very handy.
Reflective Jacket
Finally, you shouldn’t be without a jacket. There are any number of reasons you could have to leave the car – in fact in most situations it is recommended – but visibility is very important. Especially when oncoming traffic is a risk. Don’t take chances; increase the likelihood of being spotted out there.
*This is a collaborative post