With most South African motorists, the last thing on their minds is that they may end up in an emergency while travelling. Emergencies can occur in well-populated areas and remote ones, and that is where your state of preparedness for an emergency is especially crucial. Let’s find out what we should keep in our cars for emergencies.1
Preparing an emergency kit1
It’s best to put together an emergency kit that can be used at any time while travelling. The car boot is a great place to store it. Like medical aid kits, it’s essential to check the emergency kit’s contents every six months. This is because items get used or go past their sell-by date and need to be replaced.
Several essential items that should be part of an emergency kit are discussed below.
The spare wheel1
This item is a given with every car. Although some motorists have access to roadside assistance and towing services, most South African motorists will have to replace the spare wheel themselves. It’s important to know how to do this. Make sure to monitor the pressure of the spare tyre regularly. In addition, ensure that the jack and torque wrench for replacing the wheel is also in the boot.
Jumper cables for a dead battery1
Usually, the best way to start a car with a dead battery is to jump-start it. All you need is a pair of jumper cables and a car with a good battery next to your vehicle. Just make sure you can jump-start your car because the electronics of some luxury cars are sensitive. In such cases, the vehicle is jump-started from a battery pack.
Do you have a tool kit?1
It would help if you had multi-purpose tools such as spanners, screwdrivers, and pliers for any general repair work.
Do you have a torch?1
If an emergency occurs in the dark, a torch is critical. Also, if stuck on the side of the road, flashing your torch will indicate to motorists you need help. Ensure you have spare batteries handy.
Can motorists spot your car at night?1
Reflective triangles placed well behind and in front of your car will indicate the position of your vehicle to other nearby motorists.
What about medical attention?1
You could be in the mountains on holiday, and somebody slips and falls near the car parked on a steep incline. This is where a medical aid kit is required to provide bandages, antibiotic ointment, pain tablets, a blanket, scissors, and tweezers. Ensure to replace some of these items before they expire.
What are some other items required?1
Reflective clothing is helpful so that people searching at night can easily spot you. Drinking water and non-perishable foods are essential.
Your cell phone is crucial1
Have all necessary emergency numbers on your cell phone and have a car charger or a battery pack handy to keep the phone alive.
Should you experience an emergency, it is also vital that you have immediate access to roadside assistance and towing services. These services are part of your car cover. PMD provides such services using a network all over South Africa. If your car is not insured, contact PMD, who will provide you with more information about the affordable car insurance products that they offer.
Source:
1https://www.nsc.org/home-safety/safety-topics/emergency-preparedness/car-kit
This article was prepared by Eric Sandmann in his personal capacity. The views and opinions expressed in this article are the author’s own. The views and opinions in the article should not be attributed to anyone but the author unless expressly stated. Nothing in this article should be relied upon as advice, this publication is presented for informational purposes only. No person should act or refrain from acting in reliance on any information found in this article, without first obtaining proper financial advice from the appropriate professional. The author makes no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, or completeness, of any information linked from, referred to, or contained in this article. The author reserves the right, to edit and change the content of this article.
