You could experience an emergency when on the road. Because of this, it is wise to have safety tools in your vehicle.
A car accident might cause you to be trapped inside your vehicle with no immediate way out. A stalled vehicle might leave you stranded in dangerously bad weather. An endless listing of potential mishaps might affect your travels. Safety tools could help you in these situations.
Doors and Windows Will Not Open
If you are in an accident, the doors and windows might not work. You might even have a broken arm or another injury that leaves you with a limited ability to get out of the vehicle. If the vehicle is on fire, leaking fluids, or the exhaust is broken and entering the cabin, your life might be in danger.
A window hammer and seat belt cutter combo could help you to get out. If you have just one good hand that you can use, it will help you to cut through the seat belt, break out a window, and make your escape.
The window hammer has one or two hardened metal points at one end. A razor blade contained within a protective notch to prevent injuries is located at the other end. You can hook the razor notch on the seat belt and cut it in two so that you can get out of the seat.
The handy tool is small enough to keep in the glove box, center console, or in a door compartment. You should keep it within easy reach of your body while you are in the driver’s seat.
Weak or Dead Battery
A weak or dead battery is concerning when you are out running errands. Whether you just left the lights after you parked or the battery is nearing the end of its service life, a jump-start might be enough to get you home.
A pair of jumper cables that are rated a six or higher could help you to jump-start your car. If there are no other vehicles with drivers nearby, a portable jump-starter could get your vehicle running again.
Flat Tires
A flat tire could occur at nearly any time. For most people, that means the donut in the truck or slung underneath has to go onto the vehicle. It helps greatly to learn how to safely change a tire and which tools are needed.
Many modern vehicles have a tire pressure sensor mounted to each wheel. If your vehicle does not have this, you should use a tire pressure gauge. A portable pencil-style tire pressure gauge or a handheld round gauge could quickly tell you how well the tires are holding up.
When one tire is especially low, a portable air compressor that you plug into the cigarette lighter or connect to a USB port will provide the power needed to inflate a low tire. If you run over a nail or another road hazard that is making the tire leak, a can of pressurized tire sealant could stop the leak and partly reinflate the tire.
The tire might be beyond repair and needs to be replaced. If so, a portable jack with a handle that doubles as a lug wrench works great for raising the wheel off of the ground. Mounting a donut or a full-sized spare will get you where you need to go.
Cautionary Signs and Lighting
Whenever you are stranded on the side of the road, safety becomes a big concern. That is especially true if you need to change a tire or do other work that leaves your body exposed to traffic.
Road flares will grab the attention of drivers well before their vehicles are near yours and enable them to drive accordingly. You also could place some highly visible warning triangles or orange cones that help to mark your location and direct vehicles around yours.
Battery-powered lighting could help do the same thing during the evening hours. Battery-powered lighting also enables you to see better while changing a tire, jump-starting the battery, or trying to get your vehicle unstuck.
Vehicle Is Stuck
Few items could help you get your vehicle unstuck as quickly as a tow strap. You would need another vehicle with a strong engine to help gently and slowly pull your vehicle out. However, if one is available, a tow strap could pull you out of your predicament.
A set of come-alongs could help to pull your car out of the mud or off of an icy patch that has you stuck. Come-alongs are similar to a power winch but without the power. You have to manipulate a long handle to slowly pull your vehicle out of a bad spot if possible. You would need a solid object, like a tree or a support column, to anchor the come-alongs.
You might have an easier time getting unstuck by keeping a folding camping shovel in the trunk. You could buy an affordable one at a sporting goods store or obtain a military trench shovel at a surplus store. If you get stuck, the portable folding shovel could help you to dig out of the situation.
A bag of kitty litter can help to give you some traction if ice or slush are making it impossible to drive out. Sprinkling some of it around your drive wheels could help them to get a grip.
Emergency Contact Tools
Many people carry a cellphone with them while driving. It is best to leave it alone while driving. However, it also is the best way to call for help. If you have roadside assistance or free towing on your car insurance, your cellphone could help to make that call.
It is possible your cellphone is low on battery and will not turn on or dial out. A portable phone charger could ensure your cellphone has enough battery to call for help and stay in touch with people until it arrives.
Personal Items
If your safety tools cannot get you back on the road, you might have a long wait ahead of you. If so, it helps to have warm blankets stowed away to help keep you and any passengers warm.
A clean gallon of spring water will help to keep you hydrated for up to a day or so. A supply of energy bars could help to keep you reasonably nourished. Warmth, water, and food are essential, especially on a cold night.
Holding Negligent Drivers Accountable
There are many possible reasons to need safety equipment while you are driving. When a negligent driver ultimately is the cause of your accident, you might have a good case for seeking damages.
If another motorist crashes into your vehicle, safety tools might help. If you are changing a tire and another motorist strikes you, that driver is likely liable for all damages. An experienced lawyer could help you build a strong case against a negligent driver.
Philadelphia Car Accident Lawyers at McCann Dillon Jaffe & Lamb, LLC Can Help You After a Collision
It is always good to have safety tools in your vehicle and follow the rules of the road. However, you cannot guarantee that other motorists will do the same. If you have been injured in a collision, our Philadelphia car accident lawyers at McCann Dillon Jaffe & Lamb, LLC can help. Contact us online or call us at 215-569-8488 to schedule a free consultation. Located in Philadelphia, Abington, Media, Pennsylvania, as well as Wilmington, Delaware, we serve clients throughout the surrounding areas.