Winter Car Safety Checklist

As a healthcare professional, you may find yourself on assignment in colder climates. That could mean having to drive in a variety of winter conditions, such as snow, ice, and sleet. Before you hit the road, make sure your vehicle is stocked with emergency items so you can navigate winter weather while maintaining peace of mind.

If you’re short on time, you may want to consider purchasing a pre-packaged roadside emergency kit. These are available to order online (like this one through Amazon) or in retail stores like Walmart and Lowes. Kits are typically anywhere from $30-$60, depending on what’s included. Most kits have gloves, jumper cables, a flashlight, first aid kit, emergency flares, and tools.

If you have a knack for DIY projects, piecing together an emergency kit may be a better option. And depending on the size of your vehicle, you may want to include more items than what’s in a pre-packaged kit. Maybe your favorite snacks, or a spare pair of snow boots?

If you’re scratching your head because you're not sure what to pack, not to worry. We’ve compiled a quick checklist to help you out. The good new is, you probably have many of these items lying around the house:

Food Items

• Bottled water
• Non-perishable snacks (granola bars, nuts, crackers)

Clothing Items

• Thick socks
• Blanket
• Extra gloves
• Snow boots or extra pair of sneakers

Medical Items

• First aid kit (bandages, rubbing alcohol, gauze, disinfectant, Tylenol)
• Hand warmers

General Car Safety Items

• Emergency flare(s)
• Jumper cables
• Matches
• Salt, sand, or kitty litter (to melt snow)
• Tow chain
• Flashlight
• Windshield de-icer
• Ice scraper/snow brush
• Extra cell phone charger
  

If you’re in a situation where you need professional help, The American Automobile Association (often referred to as “Triple A”) offers free roadside assistance to healthcare workers and first responders. Simply dial 1-800-AAA-HELP (1-800-222-4357) and identify yourself as a healthcare worker.

Looking for roadside assistance and then some? Consider becoming a AAA member. AAA offers a variety of perks, including towing services, battery replacement, spare tire installation, locksmith services, and minor auto repairs. For the most basic plan (Classic), you’ll only pay $67/year, which breaks down to a little over $5/month. That’s a small amount to pay for peace of mind!

Want to share this information with a friend? Screenshot the graphic below and send a friendly reminder: