Often times while growing up my parents had vehicles that weren’t exactly “reliable” – spending money on fancy new cars – or even mechanics for that matter – was never really their thing… However, being prepared for the worst definitely was! (Like Boy Scout prepared… ALL the time!)
No matter what time of year it was there was ALWAYS a tool box stashed in the car, and if it was winter you can bet there were blankets, candles, matches, boots, sand, and even snacks in the car too!
I’ll never forget how exasperated my dad was one night a couple of years ago when I stopped by their house – in the dead of winter with several inches of snow on the ground – AND wearing my bedroom slippers of course. He just about came unglued! “What are you doing?! What if your car broke down?!” (I think he may have even called me crazy…)
I scoffed – “I have a cell phone and roadside service… what do you mean?”
Oh did I ever get an earful!
While cell phones and road service are great they’re not the only tools to have in your winter survival vehicle kit. I have to give my dad credit on that one… I guess I would be really grateful to have a blanket and boots if for some crazy reason my cell phone wasn’t working!
Whether you’re managing a winter travel preparedness service fleet or just driving your own car, staying safe when temperatures drop comes down to basic preparation.
Winter Travel Must Haves
So, here’s a list of must haves if you are going to be traveling in the Midwest this winter (even if it is just a few miles to mom and dad’s house you go!):
- First, build a solid emergency road kit checklist so you never leave crucial gear behind.
- If you’re outfitting a service van winter safety kit, make sure it includes extra cold-weather gear, tow straps, and plenty of flashlights.
- Even standard driving in ice and snow precautions like slow acceleration and extra stopping distance won’t help if you’re stranded without warm supplies.
- Prioritizing overall technician cold weather road safety means treating every seasonal drive with the same respect.
Make sure you update the contents of your kit on a regular basis and make sure all drivers and passengers know where to find it.
