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Vehicle Winter Survival Kits - Part One: Personal Gear

by David Graves

Priority #3: Safety and Comfort

Once a stranded motorist is warm and hydrated, it is time to think about being as comfortable as possible and to alert help. Not only does the vehicle provide shelter from the wind and snow, but it is also more visible than someone struggling through the drift. There are items that can be carried to make a stuck auto experience more comfortable and safer until help arrives, as well as things that can help attract rescuers.

Flashlight. Every auto should have at least one available, and extra batteries should be stored too. There are many wonderful options now available, some of which do not even need batteries to provide light. Some use a crank to generate power, and some are shaken to provide a charge. These make good backup lights, but they are usually more bulky and less powerful than battery powered lights. There are man options to consider in picking a good light, such as initial price, durability, brightness needed, battery life, and size. Also, having at least one light in the auto that can be hung up or sat on the ground is a very good choice when attempting to repair a vehicle at night.

Clean-up Items. These could be paper towels, toilet paper, baby wipes, or alcohol based hand cleaner. Most of these have multiple uses, and all will help keep a stranded motorist more comfortable and happier.

Fire Starter. This does not have to be complicated. A simple butane lighter that gets checked every month or so for good functioning can be a literal life saver. Include a candle of some type, and a bit of tinder. Of course, this is for use OUTSIDE the vehicle.

Radio. A battery powered radio with extra batteries can be a good way for a stranded motorist to fight boredom. Also, it can provide good information about weather and traffic conditions. Also, crank or solar powered radios are available that make batteries unnecessary.

High Visibility items. If one is stranded and waiting for help, being seen is very important! There are several ways to be more noticeable, and combining several of the following options is better than using one alone.

Road flares not only let others see that you are in trouble, but they keep traffic safely away from you and other road hazards. They are carried in auto supply stores. They must be used with caution! They are basically a huge match and burn at very high temperatures. They can be very handy for starting fires quickly in poor conditions.

Reflective Safety Triangles are also available in auto supply suppliers. These can be set outside the stranded vehicle to warn approaching traffic and to mark the vehicle. They take up very little storage space.

Reflective Safety Vests, such as road construction workers wear, are visible from great distances-even at night. They show up very well against a snow background during daylight. They yellow versions are the most visible, and those that include a reflective panel increase the visibility tenfold. They are especially nice to have while trying to dig out or repair an auto.

Emergency Strobe Lights may be a bit more difficult to find. Most marine/boat supply houses carry them. They are battery powered, and usually quite small. When activated, these devices produce a very bright flash every two or three seconds that can be seen for long distances. They are very effective for aiding rescue crews to find a stranded vehicle.

Some or all of these items can be a literal life saver in winter conditions. There is no great expense involved, but a little foresight and preparation can make a big difference on some cold night! In a follow-up article, I will examine tools and materials to help get a vehicle out of a bad situation.

         

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