BOISE – As snow, reduced visibility, and freezing conditions create challenges on Idaho roads, AAA is reminding drivers of the importance of keeping an emergency kit in their cars.
Here are some of the items to consider when creating or double-checking your kit:
- First-aid items (replace expired products)
- Basic tools, including jumper cables and an ice scraper
- A flashlight with fresh batteries
- A collapsible shovel and a bag of kitty litter if you need to dig out of snow or restore traction to get moving
- Blankets and extra warm clothing
- Flares or reflectors
- Water and protein snacks
- Pen and paper to record information, a roll of duct tape, a deck of playing cards, empty plastic bags for waterproofing and storage
AAA now provides emergency road service through Apple’s SOS system, which uses satellite connections to get help where regular cell service and Wi-Fi are not available on commonly traveled rural roads. Drivers with an iPhone 15 or iPhone 14 with iOS 16.1 or later can access the SOS system. While AAA members and non-members alike can request assistance, non-members pay for services at the time they are rendered. Additional terms and conditions apply.
“In addition to the more typical emergency kit items, you may also want to bring along a towel or a tarp so that you have a barrier between you and the road if you need to fix a flat or install traction control devices like tire chains or tire socks,” says AAA Idaho public affairs director Matthew Conde. “And once you’re completely ready to drive in bad weather, it’s important to consider the skill level of those who will be sharing the road with you. In some cases, it may be a better idea to stay off the road until conditions improve.”