You never know what will happen when you are on the road in Oklahoma. Even a short commute or trip to the grocery store can end in an accident. While there is no way to eliminate the chances of a collision, there are certain things you can do to prepare for everyday emergencies. It may take a while for police and emergency medical personnel to arrive after a crash. Having the right equipment in your car could save your life.
At Cain Law, our car accident lawyers in Oklahoma City want you to be as prepared as possible in the event of a crash. That’s why we’ve released this list of the top 10 items to keep in your car. Don’t hesitate to contact us for a free consultation about your specific case.
The Importance of Having These Items in Your Car
Having the right equipment in hand in the event of an accident can be the difference between life and death. With that in mind, the top 10 items to have in your car in the event of an accident are:
- First Aid Kit – The average emergency response time is almost 10 minutes, according to the City of Oklahoma City. A well-stocked first aid kit can help you provide life-saving care during this critically important window.
- Fire Extinguisher – There are approximately 181,700 vehicle fires per year, according to the National Fire Protection Association. Car crashes often sever fuel lines and spark fires, which can quickly become deadly. A fire extinguisher can prevent a bad situation from worsening into a fatal explosion.
- Personal Care Items – You never know when you might be stranded after a crash. Emergency responders could take a long time to arrive if you’re far from a populated area. Having snacks, a blanket, jacket, bottled water, non-perishable snacks, essential medications, and other personal items in your car may keep you alive and reasonably comfortable in an emergency.
- Spare Tire and Tire-Changing Supplies – There are approximately 220 million flat tires per year, so odds are that eventually, you’ll have to deal with this problem. Keep a properly inflated tire in your vehicle, along with a wheel wrench and tripod jack.
- Important Phone Numbers – It’s a good idea to keep a list of important phone numbers saved in your phone, including the number for your auto insurance company and a local tow company or auto membership. You might also want a paper copy of the numbers in case your phone dies.
- Cellphone Charger – While you’ll probably have your cell phone with you, you might not always travel with a charger. You’ll need your phone to call for help, use the flashlight feature, and record notes, so keep an extra charger in your car.
- Reflective Triangles – Every year, many secondary accidents happen when motorists do not notice an accident has occurred and collide with another motorist or vehicle. Reflective triangles can help make your vehicle more noticeable and alert motorists.
- Jumper Cables – Your car can’t start without a working battery. Keep a set of jumper cables in your trunk in case of an emergency.
- Cold Weather Supplies – Oklahoma winters can get frigid, and you should consider this when preparing an emergency kit. A set of warm gloves can protect your hands if you are waiting in the cold or need to perform emergency repairs on your car. Also, consider packing some cat litter in case your tires get stuck in the snow. You can also stow away a snow brush, a blanket, and an extra set of clothing.
- Flares – Even a fender-bender can become fatal if other drivers can’t see the wreck to avoid it. Flares can help other motorists navigate around you after a collision and make you more visible to emergency responders.
For All Personal Injury Cases, Call Cain Law
The team at Cain Law can help you recover compensation for your injuries if you have been hurt in a car crash that wasn’t your fault. Call us today or visit our contact page for a free consultation with a personal injury lawyer in Oklahoma.
