Roadside breakdowns how much preparation do we need to make? Read on for what to think about before the trip.

It's lonely in the middle of nowhere.

I've been reading articles in the newspaper and online lately that more and more describe people being stranded in their cars. It should not come as a surprise with the way vehicles are built we would feel totally secure inside of them. They are constructed in a way which enables them to be almost completely silent inside, nice smooth ride, no road noise - man I'm falling asleep just thinking about it. As comfortable and nice as they are, breakdowns are still possible. As if a vehicle breakdown is not bad enough there have been several incidences this year concerning car breakdowns and wildfires. Naturally, when we experience one the normal reaction is pull off the road as far as possible, most notably when the incident takes place on a busy road or highway. Parking on or near high dry weeds may start a fire when the catalytic converter is blinded, (blocked), they reach a temperature that causes the outer skin to become red-hot. Steel, to become that hot the temperature is in the plus 1200 F (649 C), easily capable of igniting dry brush.

While living in a remote area, (out in the country), or if we traverse it on a regular basis our chances of a breakdown are not increased, however, if one does occur there are other situations we should give some thought to. One in particular, and I taught myself to do this when approaching a turn-off or wide spot in the road to park, look at the potential parking spot. Look it over as closely as you can, we are looking for snakes. Dawn and Dusk are the most common time for them to approach roads to warm their bodies and prepare for the day or a night of hunting. When a car parks over one they have a tendency to strike the first thing they see. I don't want that to be my leg, it does happen more often than we like to think.

Animals are a cause for concern, livestock, Cattle, Horses, and Dogs. Driving a dark isolated road with no moon makes it hard to see what lies ahead. A collision with a 1500 pound animal many times proves to be fatal to the driver when they break through the windscreen and land in the drivers' lap. Caution is the rule, they are difficult to avoid when going around a blind bend, even when driving the speed limit.

It is not just Dogs and Cattle, Deer are large animals as well.

Dogs and other domestic pets are a bit different than large animals, no-one wants to hit someone's pet, so we swerve to avoid them. One of our daughters was driving through a desolate stretch of farmland. The State Highway had an irrigation canal on each side of it. Suddenly a large dog ran in front of her, she swerved to avoid it and landed top down in the 8-foot deep water. She is a very resourceful person, she thinks clearly under stress. Not having any tools to punch a window out she kicked the rear windscreen out with her feet. She was not injured badly, but it earned her a trip to the hospital, most cars that land in waterways has no survivors. Unfortunately, if there is not the time to come to a complete stop the only alternative is to hit the animal.

Regardless of what the incident is, a breakdown, accident, or natural disaster while on the highway it is no day in the park. Of all the places we need to have at least minimum survival supplies is in the trunk of each vehicle. Keeping basic supplies in the trunk is not a difficult task, whether constructing it ourselves or purchasing a commercially prepared kit the main point is to be sure it is loaded with usable items. Many items to stock a kit ourselves are available at the discount stores (the Dollar Store), second-hand stores (Goodwill), and big box hardware stores. Items essential to a roadside emergency kit are plenty of water, a flashlight, jumper cables and a fire extinguisher made for a vehicle fire. The kit should supply your needs for a period of at least 3 days, for however many people are with you. Breakdowns could be anything from a flat tire to complete destruction of the vehicle, or worse yet a road washout that keeps us stranded for several days. Each kit needs to fill our personal needs. A commercial kit should be checked over adding items to achieve that, a self-constructed kit should follow the list that is created when it is planned.

When traveling in or through the mountains we should be especially cautious by packing a bag customized to the trip, allowing for the number of people. In the kit some means of keeping warm, blankets, a small heater (a propane lantern works well), lots of water, high-calorie food and jumper cables. Make sure to have socks, undergarments, at least one jacket, a pair of gloves and a warm hat. A wind-up radio capable of charging a cell phone, a method of signaling (flashlights work,), a means to start a fire, some rope, and a tarp. Depending on the location and the degree of danger, most of the time it is best to stay with your vehicle.

Two of my sisters decided to go on a road trip to California to visit me, they were traveling from my home state of Minnesota. By the time they got to the western South Dakota border they realized the entire west was on fire causing them to go back home, we never know what we will run into.

They don't look bad, but most important a hat is a lifesaver while
in the hot sun.

A trip in the desert is equal to winter travel, except it is hot. I've lived in the North during blizzards and being snowed in, I've also lived in the desert during the summer. When the temperature reached 126 degrees F, (52.22 C) that is just as hot as the North was cold when I left Minnesota during a blizzard -30 F. (-34.44 C) Both extremes are just as disabling as the other. The same items should be in a desert kit as the snow vehicle kit, a jacket will be needed, the desert can be blazing hot during the day and cold enough to form ice overnight. A method to provide shade is a must-have, as is doubling up on the water. Clothing that covers the entire body, sun blocker and a wide-brimmed hat are lifesavers when the sun is beating down at 12 noon. Sandstorms are a hazard also when caught in one, pull over to the side of the road and stay there. Vehicle pile-ups occur during most of them, some include dozens of cars.

The desert has hazards that are not shared with the cold, or temperate climates. Snakes, bugs and rapid dehydration are part of the list. When stranded in the desert, it is advisable to seek shade or construct it with a tarp and rope that is in your kit, drink lot's of water, we can live longer with no food than no water. Don't walk out, survival is nearly impossible when a great distance must be traveled. The arid, hot environment is dangerous in itself. 15 minutes in the heat (greater than 110 F) can be disabling, so never attempt to walk out. Exposing your skin to the sun can speed up the dehydration process, wear your hat, sunglasses, cover your skin as much as possible and drink lots of water. You may not sweat, don't worry, keep drinking water we need a minimum of 1/2 gallon a day, in the desert, I drank at least a gallon sweating very little. The company I worked for near Palm Springs, California would allow us to work 1/2 hour in the hot sun,  then cool off for a half an hour in the shop.

Set up a kit in the trunk, a 72-hour kit is recommended by FEMA and other first responders which is good advice, however, I am an advocate of keeping a 7-day kit available. Planning for 7-days takes just a little more effort than preparing for the shorter term, it is more water and a few more energy bars. With the larger kit of supplies we are prepared in case we have guest riders.

A typical Roadside Breakdown kit.

It's easy to make bad decisions during stressful situations, being prepared with a plan and supplies in the trunk will help relieve worry. Stay calm, think, drink lots of water in any situation, signaling for help when it makes sense, along with staying in the shade or when in the snow stay in the car and remember do not attempt to walk out you won't make it.

Thanks for reading and sharing my blog, leave a comment or a story about your experiences on the road, thankfully very few road trips end with a disaster. When they do that kit of supplies in the trunk is worth its weight in gold. Click on the link below and check out the website, thanks.

Thanks again jacqueslebec  EmergencyKitsPlus.com