As parents, we naturally focus on teaching our kids essential life skills like how to cook, manage money, communicate with others, and take care of themselves. But while we prepare them for everyday challenges, many of us overlook the big stuff like, what to do in an emergency. Giving children the knowledge and tools to handle unexpected situations can make all the difference when things go south.
Many crises are rare, like once-in-a-lifetime weather events or true cases of stranger danger. Other emergencies, however, are actually really common. Being prepared for those inevitable moments, like roadside stops, can make a real difference. You may face a flat tire, dead battery, poor visibility, engine trouble, sudden illness, or a fender bender. Nonetheless, at some point, your family will find themselves pulled over on the side of the road.
Is your family prepared? If not, that’s okay. You’re not alone! In this post, we’ll share important roadside safety tips and our top car essentials to stay safe on the road.
Roadside Safety Tips for Highway Emergencies
Keep a weather-appropriate emergency kit in your car.
If you find yourself pulled over on the side of the road for any reason, extreme weather can quickly become a serious problem, especially if your vehicle isn’t running. Frigid or hot temperatures, for example, can make conditions unsafe for your passengers. On the other hand, heavy rain or snow can make fixing a flat or walking to the nearest gas station difficult.
To be truly prepared for any roadside emergency, keep weather-specific essentials in your car. Items like rain ponchos, extra blankets, cooling towels, and snow shovels can make handling unexpected situations much easier.
To learn more weather-related car safety tips, check out “Baby, It’s HOT in Here!” and “Car Hacks for Winter.”
Do regular maintenance on your vehicle.
One of the best ways to handle emergencies is to take steps to avoid them. Regular car maintenance can prevent breakdowns caused by a corroded battery, low tire pressure, low coolant, old oil, worn brake pads, or cracked hoses. Either perform regular checks on your car yourself or take it to a shop on a scheduled basis. This is an excellent way to ensure everything is in good working order for your daily commute.
For longer drives, you’ll need a more comprehensive check. Here’s what to get checked out on your vehicle before a road trip.
Make a plan for getting roadside assistance.
There are times when your vehicle may become completely inoperable, and in those moments, you’ll need help. While friends or family might step in locally, they won’t be much use on long trips. Even calling a tow service can be unreliable or costly, depending on where and when you break down.
That’s why it’s best to have a dependable source of roadside assistance as your first option. Auto clubs like AAA are a solid choice, and many insurance companies also include roadside coverage in their standard policies or as an add-on. The key is making sure you have a reliable plan in place for unexpected breakdowns.
Still, if you find yourself in a true emergency and can’t access roadside help due to location, weather, or other factors, don’t hesitate to call 911. A breakdown can quickly turn dangerous, especially with kids in the car. At the very least, an officer can park behind you with lights on to improve visibility while you wait for help.
Learn how to do basic repairs like tire changes and jump starts.
Though roadside assistance is normally available, it’s always a good idea to know how to perform basic repairs yourself. Sometimes you’re stuck somewhere without cell service (or if you do have it, it’s spotty). Other times, it may be hours before the next available roadside technician can arrive. In either case, the best option is to fix the problem yourself if possible.
Take time to learn how to do these basic repairs:
- Change a flat tire
- Jump-start a dead battery
- Check and refill fluids
- Check and adjust tire pressure
- Replace air filters
- Change lights and bulbs
Pull over in the safest area possible.
When you do have to pull over, aim for a rest stop or parking lot whenever possible. Stopping on the shoulder should be a last resort, since it’s one of the most dangerous places to be. Stopped-vehicle crashes are alarmingly common. Every year hundreds of people are killed or seriously injured simply because their car was disabled near fast-moving traffic.
Of course, you won’t always get the option of pulling into a safe area. Sometimes a breakdown leaves you stuck at an intersection, or worse, in the middle of the road. In those cases, move to the safest spot you can, and if your family still feels at risk, call 911. Like we discussed, emergency responders can send an officer to help and provide visibility with their lights until further assistance arrives.
Ensure your kids stay buckled inside.
As we’ve made clear, a stopped vehicle isn’t automatically a safe vehicle. Even if your kids get restless while you wait for help or make a quick repair, it’s crucial that they stay buckled. Their car seats and booster seats offer the best protection if another driver were to crash into your disabled vehicle. Sitting restrained may not be fun when the car isn’t moving, but it’s the best way to stay safe.
On that note, it’s a good idea to confirm your children are all in the right kind of seats for their age, weight, height, and maturity. Read this post on the different types of car seats to ensure your kids are all properly protected when riding in your vehicle.
Use hazard lights, reflective triangles, flares, and other safety equipment.
When you’re on the side of the road, visibility is everything. Your hazards are helpful, but if you’re on the highway, that’s really not sufficient. By the time someone is close enough to see your hazards, they’re likely only seconds away from your vehicle. Therefore, this doesn’t leave enough response time to keep your family safe.
For improved roadside safety, use reflective triangles, battery-powered strobe lights, reflective tape, and even road flares. And if you have to leave the vehicle, always wear a high-visibility safety vest. You want to be seen from literally miles away!
Stay inside the vehicle if possible.
There are times when it makes sense to handle a simple repair yourself and get back on the road. But if you’re stuck on the shoulder of a busy highway, it’s usually safest to stay inside your vehicle. Passing drivers often struggle to notice cars on the roadside, spotting a person beside the car is even harder. Unfortunately, crashes in these situations happen more often than most people realize.
When the situation feels risky, your best option is to call roadside assistance and let trained professionals handle it with the right equipment and safety gear. Every situation is unique, but it’s important to recognize just how dangerous stepping outside your vehicle can be.
Always keep a fully charged portable power bank on hand.
Your car’s charger only works if the engine is running. If your vehicle is disabled, you won’t be able to rely on it. That’s why it’s smart to keep a fully charged power bank or battery pack in your car for emergencies.
A working cell phone isn’t just for calling roadside assistance or 911. It can help you navigate to the nearest gas station, reroute if you’re lost, or keep in touch with friends and family. The more people who know your situation and location, the safer you’ll be until help arrives.
Keep the exhaust pipe clear on gas-powered vehicles.
If you lose control in snowy or muddy conditions and end up in a ditch or on the shoulder, always check that your vehicle’s exhaust pipe is clear. If it’s blocked, deadly carbon monoxide gas could spill into your car. This gas is invisible and odorless, so it’s important you stay mindful of the risk.
This isn’t just for situations when you swerve into the ditch, either. If roadside, blizzard conditions can cause snow to pile up and cover the tail end of your vehicle. Therefore, you need to keep a close eye on that exhaust pipe. It could easily become blocked while you’re waiting for the weather to clear up for assistance to arrive. Of course, this tip only applies to gas-powered vehicles.
Always bring extra essentials, snacks, and water.
Even on short trips, plan for potential delays. For solo travelers, a hiccup isn’t a big deal. However, when you’re driving with kids, running out of diapers, formula, snacks, water, or other necessities can turn a slight delay into a major stressor.
Always over-pack or keep an emergency stash of essentials in your car. That way, if you end up on the side of the road or stranded at a nearby hotel overnight, you’ll have everything you need to keep everyone safe, healthy, and as comfortable as possible.
Have bathroom solutions in your car, even after potty training.
If you’re stuck on the side of the road with kids, someone will almost certainly need a bathroom break and after a while, adults might too! Be prepared for situations where no facilities are nearby. Even after your kids are potty-trained, it’s wise to keep a portable potty, liners, wipes, and plastic bags in the car for emergencies.
What to Have in a Roadside Emergency Kit
Safety & Visibility
- Reflective warning triangles
- Road flares
- Flashlight with extra batteries
- High-visibility vest
- Glow Sticks
- Whistle
Car Essentials
- Resqme Car Escape Tool
- Jumper cables or a portable jump starter
- Tire repair kit and air pump
- Digital tire pressure gauge
- Bungee cords
- Tire Inflator
- Fix-a-Flat
- Spare tire, jack, and lug wrench
- Tow rope or strap
- Basic tool kit (screwdrivers, pliers, wrench)
- Fire extinguisher
- Multipurpose knife or tool
- Duct tape and zip ties
Health & Comfort
- First-aid kit (bandages, antiseptic wipes, gauze, pain relievers)
- Hand sanitizer
- Tissues
- Bottled water and non-perishable snacks
- Blankets or emergency thermal blankets
- Extra clothing, gloves, hats, and rain gear
Kids’ Items
- Extra diapers, wipes, and a changing pad
- Portable potty and other bathroom supplies
- Snacks and water/juice boxes
- Any prescribed medications
- Motion sickness solutions
Communication & Navigation
- Fully charged phone and power bank
- Printed maps or offline GPS
- Emergency contact list
Organization & Documentation
- Trunk organizer
- Reusable shopping bags
- Auto insurance and registration card holder
- Extra cash and change
- Notebook and pen
Seasonal Items
- Winter: Ice scraper, tire chains, folding shovel, hand warmers, sand or kitty litter for traction
- Summer: Sunscreen, hats, extra water
- All-weather: Ponchos, rain gear, umbrella
How to Get Roadside Assistance
There are lots of ways to get roadside assistance if you’re stuck or stalled somewhere. While a private auto club or an insurance add-on is often the easiest and most proactive option, help is still available even if you’re not a member of AAA or a similar service.
Here are independent options if your insurance policy or auto manufacturer doesn’t provide complimentary roadside assistance:
- AAA (American Automobile Association): 1-800-222-4357
- Urgent.ly: 1-800-000-000
- Better World Club: 888-732-1427
- HONK: 800-979-3162
- Allstate Motor Club: 800-220-6204
- Local Towing Services
Roadside safety is all about being prepared, staying visible, and knowing how to safely respond in an emergency.
By keeping the right tools, supplies, and knowledge on hand, you can protect your family and reduce stress during unexpected roadside events. Every precaution gives you confidence that you’re truly ready for anything the journey ahead may bring.
For more tips on keeping your family safe while traveling, check out the Safe in the Seat blog. There, you’ll find expert advice on everything having to do with car seats, vehicles, and family adventures.
