7 Things to Always Keep in Your Car in the Winter
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Winter in Tennessee can be a bit of an anomaly. On the one hand, our state is not as prone to major weather events as states up north. On the other, it is not unheard of for an unexpected weather front to dump a foot or more of snow statewide, leading to major delays and traffic issues from Memphis to Knoxville.
Fortunately, there are a number of tips for Tennessee drivers to consider as we weather these winter months together, including the following list of items to keep in the car in the event of an accident. And, as always, do not hesitate to contact Hodges, Doughty & Carson, PLLC if you experience an accident and injury while traveling Tennessee’s roadways at (865) 737-2784.
1) Non-perishable food items: It is not something you want to think about, but you never know when you will become stranded or how long you will be stuck. Keeping your body well nourished can help stave off the detrimental effects of hunger and blood glucose dips—particularly if you or a family member suffers from diabetes.
Note: If you or a family remember relies on medication, make sure you keep extra in the car. Always be sure to keep it out of the reach of children.
2) Bottled water: Staying hydrated can quickly become an issue for drivers left stranded roadside during a snowstorm. Accordingly, keep bottled water in an accessible area of the vehicle (not the trunk)—particularly if you often travel with elderly companions or children.
3) Spare tire & components: Wintry weather can cause nasty potholes, which, in turn, can cause nasty tire damage. To avoid the calamity that often follows unexpected tire damage, be sure to keep a jack, spare tire, and torque wrench in the vehicle at all times.
4) Blankets & warmers: A breakdown or accident can disable your vehicle in the blink of an eye, leaving you stranded for hours or even days. If you must wait for emergency responders to arrive, blankets and hand warmers will become increasingly necessary—particularly if your vehicle’s heat is inoperable.
As always, keep these items within reach to avoid having to exit the vehicle in treacherous conditions.
Note: If the heat in your vehicle is working, only turn it on after you ensure the tailpipe is unobstructed. Only turn the heat on for 15 minutes per hour and then turn your vehicle off.
5) Jumper cables: Freezing and fluctuating temperatures can cause vehicle batteries—even brand new ones—to lose life quickly. To avoid becoming stranded, keep a set of jumper cables on board at all times—you never know when you will need a boost.
6) Flares or Reflective Triangles: Flares and reflective triangles can come in handy, particularly for motorists stranded alongside country back roads, as the occasional passerby may not even realize there is a disabled vehicle.
They are available at automotive supply stores, as well as basic retailers like Walmart and Target. For a small price, drivers can purchase substantial peace of mind knowing that someone will be able to see the warning signs that a driver needs immediate help.
7) Cellular Phone Charger: Stranded on the side of the road is no place for a dead cell phone, particularly if you need immediate assistance. There are a number of options available to charge a cell phone, even if the vehicle itself has lost power. Your options include lithium-battery-operated chargers and crank-chargers, among others. No driver should be without these devices which may make it possible to communicate with emergency personnel and family following an accident.
Contact an Experienced Tennessee Personal Injury Law Firm Today
If you recently sustained injuries while driving along Tennessee’s highways or back roads, be sure to contact Hodges, Doughty & Carson, PLLC right away at (865) 737-2784. Our car accident lawyers are here to help.
Hodges, Doughty & Carson, PLLC is a diversified general practice and civil law firm in Knoxville. We serve a wide range of clients, including Tennessee residents and out-of-state clients.