Slippery or snow covered roads, reduced visibility, and bitter cold temperatures – winter in Canada can be quite unpredictable for drivers. That is why it is important for us, as drivers, to be prepared at all times and for all types of road conditions.
One of the ways you can stay safe on the roads in winter is to keep a ‘survival kit’ with you on your long drives. Your kit should include items that would help you survive for 24 – 48 hours at a minimum, even without a heater.
Here are some items you might consider stocking up on for your ‘winter survival kit’:
- Matches & Candles
- Flashlights & Extra Batteries or a Wind Up Flashlight
- Non-perishable foods like protein or energy bars
- Water in Plastic Bottles (in case the water freezes, you don’t want the bottle to break)
- Blankets or sleeping bag
- Extra clothing such as shoes / boots, mitts, hats
- Shovel, Scraper and Snowbrush
- First Aid Kit
- Seatbelt Cutter
- Saw or Hatchet
- Wire and rope
- Tow rope
- Jumper cables
- Basic tool kit with pliers, crowbar / hammer, screwdrivers, adjustable wrench, duct tape and WD40
- Sand, salt or non-clumping cat litter
The list may seem long now but in the case of an emergency, you’ll be glad to have these items on hand! If you don’t already have a survival kit, take the time now to prepare one. When the roads get treacherous, remember to stay safe. Trust your judgement and take a break from your driving if you think the roads are not safe for driving.
