Items to Keep in Your Car in Case of an Illinois Accident or Emergency

In 2014, according to the Illinois Department of Transportation, nearly 300,000 car accidents happened. About 60,000 of these crashes caused injuries, and 845 people died. Injuries, especially severe ones, are often unavoidable. However, injuries can sometimes be avoided or alleviated if essential items are readily available for passengers or bystanders to quickly intervene.

Have the right items on hand in the event of an accident

Every driver should consider stocking their car with safety items, health items, and tools that will make it easier to get help if a car accident occurs. Some of the articles owners should keep in their cars are:

• A fully charged cell phone. With a phone, you can call the police. The police can investigate the accident, clear traffic, help get people who are hurt to a nearby hospital, and arrange to tow cars to repair shops. The police can also make the proper arrangements if someone dies. Accident victims can also call relatives and friends to keep them informed of their status and needs. The phone can also be used to take pictures of damage to the vehicles and photos of the accident site. To make sure the phone is charged, the driver should have a charger in the car and use it if the battery is running low.
• A first aid kit. A typical kit includes bandages, scissors, tweezers, antiseptic wipes, gauze, and latex gloves.
• A flashlight. The light can help the driver fix a flat tire, to look for other drivers and passengers if they are ejected from the car, and to make exchanging information easier. The flashlight should be checked regularly to make sure the batteries work.
• Road flares. These are especially use if the car becomes inoperable. The flares can alert the police and oncoming drivers. There are LED versions available. Reflective warning triangles are another option.
• Blankets. Blankets can keep you warm if the car’s heater doesn’t work. They can also cover anyone who has gone into shock.
• A fire extinguisher. If an accident happens, fuel can ignite. The fire extinguisher can help put out the flames.
• A whistle. A loud noise can help alert people to where you are if your vehicle is out of sight of the roadway.
• An auto escape tool. These items can be used to help cut through seatbelts and to break out windows.
• Contact information. If you become disabled, this information can be used by the police officer or emergency aid helpers to contact those who care about you the most.

Other items to consider are jumper cables, a change of clothes, food, water, ice scrapes, and extra cash. Every car should have a spare tire and the tools for changing the tire.

At Gainsberg Injury and Accident Lawyers, our Chicago car accident lawyers understand that prompt action can help save lives and help victims get the care they need. We advise clients on every aspect of their case, from the initial meeting through discovery all the way to the trial. To speak with a compassionate respected trial attorney, please call us at 312-600-9585 or complete our contact form to make an appointment.