How to Handle Unexpected Travel Emergencies on the Road
A road trip you’ve been looking forward to for months can turn into a disaster in the blink of an eye if you’re not prepared for the unexpected. The sad truth is, most people think incidents happen to others, so when an emergency comes up, they have no idea what to do. Imagine being in the middle of nowhere and your car starts to sputter, or you’re in a city you’re not familiar with and you get into a collision. What happens next? Usually, sheer panic.
If you don’t know what to do next, you’ll get overwhelmed even if the issue isn’t very serious, which is why you need to plan ahead so that you’re able to handle an unexpected situation in a calm manner. Keep in mind, though, there’s no way to eliminate all risks. What you want to do is arm yourself with knowledge and tools so that, if something happens, you don’t need to panic because you’re able to respond properly.
In this article, you’ll get sort of a roadmap to tackling travel emergencies, so let’s get started.
How to Prepare for a Road Trip
Before we get into how to handle an emergency when it happens, let’s see how to prepare for the trip so you go into it with peace of mind.
- Things You’ll Need for Immediate Safety
The first thing to do – pack items to improve your visibility and make you more ready for emergencies.
Reflective triangles are invaluable if your car breaks down in a busy area or during low visibility conditions because they’ll let the other drivers know you’re there. Along with the triangles, you should also pack a flashlight and extra batteries; they can be a lifesaver at night because you can use them to inspect your car or signal for help.
- Tools Specific for Your Vehicle
Never leave without jumper cables because they’ll be able to revive a dead battery. This is especially important in remote areas where you might not get quick road assistance. You’ll also need a tire repair kit and a portable air compressor. The tire repair kit can save you from waiting hours upon hours for help in case of a minor puncture, and the air compressor will help you maintain proper tire pressure.
- Essentials for Survival
If you don’t have the right supplies, even a small delay on the road can be uncomfortable or even unsafe. Pack bottled water and non-perishable snacks, and make sure to have a good amount of both, especially if you’re driving through areas that are in the middle of nowhere.
Blankets are a must, as well, particularly in the winter and in colder climates because they can reduce the risk of hypothermia, which can be a very serious issue. Also, keep your phone charged and pack a portable charger or a power bank.
- Use Technology
Technology has helped make the road safer and more convenient than ever, so use it. The Waze app will give you real-time information on traffic and hazards. There are also road assistance apps that AAA offers, which allow you to ask for help with just a few taps.
Don’t forget – you can’t use technology if you can’t access it, so again, keep your phone fully charged.
What to Do if a Serious Accident Happens?
The most important thing is to not panic because that’s the only way you’ll be able to help yourself and others.
First, see if you’re injured and then check others for injuries, as well. Unless it’s absolutely necessary, you shouldn’t move anyone, especially in situations like rollovers because moving can cause harm. if it’s safe, try to move your vehicle to the side of the road or just somewhere safer so there are no more collisions.
Once you and other passengers are safe, call 911 to report the accident. This is a very important step not just to get help, but also for any legal obligations later on.
Rollovers are unique, so it’s even more important to stay calm if it happens. If you’re trapped, stay in your vehicle unless the situation is life-threatening. Depending on where you are, you’ll also need to think about reporting laws. In Chicago, for instance, there are mandatory accident reporting laws, so if you’re injured or if there has been significant damage, you must report it.
In cases like these, contacting a Chicago rollover car accident lawyer is your best bet. In New York, drivers have to report all accidents involving injuries or damages to the property that are over $1,000 to the DMV within 10 days.
So, before you hit the road, you might want to get familiar with the specific laws of the area you’re visiting.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, your focus should be on taking adventures and making memories. But you have to agree that you’ll have a much easier time having fun if you know you’re prepared for (almost) anything the road throws your way.
You can’t plan for everything, of course, but you can make sure that the little, somewhat predictable incidents don’t mess up your entire trip.
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