CHARLOTTE, N.C. (January 17, 2018) – When motorists have a mechanical breakdown and are waiting for AAA or other emergency roadside assistance to arrive, it is important that they are equipped with a fully stocked emergency kit in their vehicles.
A recent AAA Carolinas survey revealed that three out of four Carolinians do not have a winter emergency kit in their vehicle.
“You just don’t know what might happen, “said AAA Carolinas Foundation for Traffic Safety President Tiffany Wright. “If you are prepared you can prevent a bad situation from turning into a serious emergency.”
AAA Carolina suggests motorists keep these items in their winter emergency kits.
- Mobile phone with important phone numbers, including personal emergency contacts, family members and emergency services; be sure to include a charger or power storage device.
- Drinking water or electrolyte-replenishing sports drinks (they have a slightly lower freezing temperature)
- First aid kit, including extra doses of whatever medications are needed by you, your family members or traveling pets.
- Non-perishable snacks for both human and pet passengers
- Bag of abrasive material (sand, salt, cat litter) or traction mats
- Snow shovel
- Blankets or sleeping bag
- Additional pieces of warm clothing (gloves, hats, scarves)
- Flashlight with extra batteries
- Extra window washer fluid
- Ice scraper with brush
- Some rags or roll of paper towels
- Jumper cables, cleaned and recently checked
- Warning devices (flares or reflective hazard signs)
- Basic household toolkit (screwdrivers, pliers, adjustable wrench, small hammer, electrical or duct tape)
AAA Carolinas, an affiliate of the American Automobile Association, is a not-for-profit organization that serves more than 2.1 million members and the public with travel, automobile and insurance services while being an advocate for the safety and security of all travelers.