Tips for Emergency Roadside Safety

emergency roadside safetyUnexpected accidents happen all the time. The key to roadside safety is being prepared and educated about what you should do in the event of a roadside emergency. Whether you have a tire blow out or you’ve been involved in a fender bender, there are some steps you need to take to ensure that you as well as others are safe. While your first instinct may be to panic, the best thing you can do at times like these is to be smart.

First, get off the road. Look for a safe area to move your vehicle to so you are out of the way of other vehicles on the road. It is important to remember that you should pull off to an area where others can clearly see you. You never want to pull into a curve or just over a hill where it may be hard for other drivers to notice that you have pulled over.

Turn your hazard lights on. This will make it easier for people to see you and know that you are having car troubles. If you have children with you, make sure they remain inside and buckled up. If there is a strange smell coming from your vehicle or if it there is smoke coming from any area of your vehicle, safely get everyone out and away from the vehicle until help arrives.

Get out of your vehicle carefully to examine the damages. Make sure that if it is an issue that you can repair on your own that you are out of the way of oncoming traffic.

Mark the area with flairs or reflective markers to make it easier for other drivers to see you when passing. Raising your hood will let those passing realize that you are having issues with your vehicle and that you need help.

If needed, contact the local authorities for help. This is especially necessary if you have been involved in an accident. Even if you were not hurt, the driver of the other car may be and could possibly need help. You should also contact your insurance company if there are damages to your vehicle. They will likely be able to contact someone to help you.

It is a good idea to keep an emergency supply kit in your vehicle at all times. This can include things like a first aid kit, a blanket, jumper cables, water, a reflective vest, etc. You should always make sure you have a reliable spare tire and a jack on your vehicle as well. You should check your emergency kit often to make sure everything is in good, working order.

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