Introduction
Anyone can get into a car accident anywhere. Running into an accident is a scary thought—a collision with another car, running into a situation due to harsh weather, flooding, and fires—these threats are very real, and one might have to face them anytime. There are ways to prevent accidents, and if you run into one, there are things that can help you get through the accident (this also includes having a reliable car insurance policy in place). There are certain necessary items that you should always keep in your car, primarily because these will be super useful in case you get into an accident or a life-threatening incident of any sort. This article will introduce you to the 10 essential items that are a must-have in case of an accident or an emergency situation related to your vehicle.
Are car accidents a common occurrence?
Accidents are more common than you think they are. According to the numbers quoted by the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety, around 39,588 motor vehicle crashes took place in the United States in 2021, resulting in a death ratio of 12.9 deaths per 100,000 people in a year.
The Texas Department of Transportation has reported that the fatalities due to car accidents have significantly decreased in Texas. In the year 2022, the fatality rate was nearly 1.55 deaths per 100,000 vehicle miles traveled, indicating an almost 1.99% decrease in comparison to 2021. The fatality rate on Texas roadways in 2022 was 1.55 deaths per 100 million vehicle miles traveled. This is a 1.99% decrease from 2021. These statistics show that accidents are a common phenomenon, and one should always take precautionary measures to avoid getting into an accident of any kind.
What are the things I should have in my car in case of an accident?
- First Aid Kit
To immediately treat minor sprains, cuts, or wounds, it is essential to keep a first aid kit with you in the car. The kit usually includes medical supplies such as scissors, tapes, band-aids, antiseptic sprays, safety pins, etc., that can help you manage wounds and cuts effectively. These kits are specifically designed for cars; therefore, they also have adhesive tapes or plasters for severe wounds resulting from the breaking of glass windows and panes. Having a certified first aid kit at your disposal is necessary.
- Flashlight
Having an emergency flashlight can be useful if you get into an accident during the night. It could either be a battery flashlight or a rechargeable flashlight, but make sure that it is strong and works for long hours.
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Fire Extinguisher
If the collision is strong enough, it might result in a sudden fire, which can potentially lead to more harm to you and others. It is advisable to also keep a small-sized fire extinguisher at your disposal to put out the fire immediately.
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Blanket
Blankets are an absolute necessity if you travel with kids or a pet. It will keep them warm and safe, calming their nervous system down, irrespective of the weather. It can also be useful for you to keep yourself warm and safe.
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Jumper Cables
Jumper cables come into play if your car battery is dead and you require another vehicle to kick-start yours. These can be bought from local stores and are quite cheap as well. It is a good investment for the times when your car battery wears off in the middle of the road with no help in sight.
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Emergency Tool Kit or Auto Escape Tool
An emergency tool kit will help you escape immediately if a serious collision occurs. Keeping an emergency tool that can help break the window glasses and tear your seatbelt allows you to immediately escape upon the collision of your car with another vehicle or an object.
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Raincoat
Running into accidents due to heavy rain is fairly common. Your car might hydroplane on the wet road, resulting in you losing control of the vehicle and getting into an accident. While keeping the car at an optimal speed is imperative, if the rain is not coming slowly, then stepping out of the car immediately is also important. For unforeseen instances like these, keeping a raincoat is necessary.
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Camera
Keeping a camera can be helpful in collecting visual proof of the accident at the site where it occurred. Keeping your phone fully charged with an inbuilt camera can also be used as an alternative.
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Keeping Useful Contact Information in a Notebook
Keeping a notebook with all the emergency contacts can be useful. The notebook can also come in handy when a collision occurs with a car or motor vehicle and you have to note down its plate or license number, name of the driver, and other important details to later fill out the documentation and navigate through legalities.
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Keeping Gloves
Operating car systems with bare hands is difficult and not recommended. Having gloves in the toolkit is extremely important to avoid any injury from electric shock.
What are some of the additional things that I should be mindful of?
While all the necessary things were covered earlier, you can additionally keep a paper map (for directions in case you lose GPS signals), a water bottle, an extra tire, and an air pump to fill up the flat tire. You can also keep a whistle with you that can help police or relevant authorities locate you in case of a roadway departure. Other than these things, you should also be mindful of the following;
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Ensure that you have your Lawyer at speed dial
Having a lawyer and seeking their guidance is an essential process if you were involved in an accident and sustained serious injuries and wounds. While the majority of people can navigate through the system on their own, seeking some legal help is never a bad idea. You can also keep your attorney on speed dial in case you might want to call them up after the accident for legal advice. Learn about the clear steps you need to take post-vehicle crash in order to ensure your own peace of mind and comfort.
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Proof of Insurance
In various states, it is mandatory to keep proof of insurance with you. This document contains all the relevant details you might require if you get into an accident, especially for police reports. This can also be helpful if the driver you collided with wants to file a claim through the car insurance in Dallas you are a client of.
What are some quick road safety rules to follow?
Taking adequate precautions by following road safety rules is important as well. While driving, make sure that you:
- Avoid speeding since it increases the risk of accidents through collisions.
- Avoid using your mobile phone while you are driving.
- While on the road, keep some distance between you and the cars behind and before you.
- Adjust the seat, gears, and mirrors before you start driving.
In Conclusion
To conclude, it is essential to be prepared and stock-up the items discussed in this article in your car. It might seem like a chore to do so, but it can be extremely helpful in times of need. You also need to make sure that you have adequate car insurance coverage with a reliable insurance company in place to avoid any financial distress and loss. Be safe while you drive, and do not forget to stay alert on the road.
