Ten items to include in a winter weather driving kit
- Blankets, coats, hats, boots
- Non-perishable food items and drinking water
- Extra medications and a first-aid kit
- Abrasive material, such as sand or cat litter, and a shovel
- Jumper cables
- Cell phone and charger
- Flashlight and warning triangle or flares
- Ice scraper
- Washer fluid
- Automobile Insurance and AAA membership cards
What To Do If Your Vehicle Breaks Down
- Pull off the road. On most roads, you should exit onto the far right shoulder, as far off the road as possible while remaining on level ground. If you are driving on an interstate or multiple-lane highway with medians, you may consider the left shoulder, again pulling as far away from traffic as possible.
- Note your vehicle’s location. Know where you are in relation to the nearest exit, mile marker or cross street and note landmarks such as restaurants, shopping centers and business complexes.
- Assess your vehicle. Determine if the vehicle will start, if the vehicle is drivable and if it has fuel and note any steam or smoke coming from under the hood or any unusual noises.
- Alert other motorists. Make sure your vehicle is visible to other motorists by turning on flashers, raising the hood of the vehicle and placing flares or warning triangles behind your vehicle.
- Call for help. Once you and any passengers are in a safe location, you can notify others of your vehicle breakdown and call for assistance.
- Remain with your vehicle. Safety experts agree that under most circumstances if you are able to pull away from traffic, it is safest to remain in your vehicle until a law enforcement officer or road service provider arrives. If the engine can be started, run it only long enough to keep warm. Make sure the exhaust pipe is snow-free.
- If you find yourself in an unsafe situation, please contact law enforcement.