
The vast open expanse of our country has inarguably bred a culture that craves the open road. From our first expansion west over the Appalachians, to breaking out across the plains and prairies, then the final push over the Rockies, we yearn for the wind in our faces that harks back to galloping on a trusted steed over a boundless sea of grass. That’s our culture—our heritage—and our mythology.
For many of us, from New York to Los Angeles, we end up sitting in traffic trying to avoid texting jerks drifting into our lanes, potholes, or construction closures. The sad truth is that there are hazards on the road both avoidable and unavoidable, so while our hearts crave the freedom of the road, our brains need to be aware that there is a good chance that at some point in our lives we will end up being stuck on the side of the road—probably at night, and possibly in cold or horrible weather. With this in mind, I’m here to show you some tools and gadgets that can help get you back on the road, or at least help keep you safe while you wait for aid to arrive.
Jumpers
One of the most common reasons we get stuck is a depleted battery. Batteries can go dead for various reasons, such as when you forget to turn your lights off, you accidentally leave your interior dome light on, your alarm goes crazy and starts sounding for hours straight, or you just simply couldn’t stop listening to the newest Justin Beiber album on a loop—and before you realize it, you’ve been sitting in the mall parking lot for hours and now your car won’t start. For many people—especially women and the elderly—asking random strangers for a jump is a dicey proposition, for obvious reasons, so having a conventional or battery-powered jump starter is a safer alternative.
WAGAN 900Amp Jump Starter/Portable Power Station
Battery jump starters come in various sizes and capacities, and with battery technology advancing as much as it has in recent years, the size and weight have become drastically more compact, so you don’t necessarily have to lug a large car battery around like we did back in the day. Most of these self-jumpers won’t be powerful enough to start a completely dead or severely depleted battery, but they will do the job when all you need is a boost. PowerAll makes this jumper that weighs less than 13 ounces, and a slightly larger but beefier version, which can jump-start most partially depleted batteries, and has other features such an integrated flashlight with an SOS function, and USB ports for charging smartphones (on the off-chance that your battery is too far gone). For larger vehicles, or to give you the option of jumping your car and charging mobile devices, PowerAll also offers two much more powerful models: the Supreme and Goliath Power Banks. All four of these jumpers come with a set of cables that attach directly to your battery, under the hood.
PowerAll Slim Plus 9000mAh Portable Battery and Jump Starter
For those who are more obsessive about their preparedness, Wagan has a line of multi-function power stations that not only will jump-start your car, but also come with flashlights, work lights, 12VDC outlets, USB ports, and even air compressors and AM/FM radios. A smaller version of this line appears to be just a lantern, but has jumper and compressor capabilities, in addition to its powerful light output. For this model, Wagan replaced the conventional jumper cables and opted for an in-car jumper system, allowing you to stay warm/dry/safe inside the car, removing the need to fumble under the hood, and eliminating the risk of crossing the wires and shorting out your entire electrical system—all potential dangers when using conventional jumper cables. All you need to do is plug the Power Station into your 12VDC cigarette/accessory port and wait for it to feed the current back into the battery for its boost. Building on this safe and easy way to jump-start your car, Wagan made its Easy Quick Jumper. To use, plug one end into a running vehicle’s cigarette lighter port and plug the other end into the same port in the vehicle that needs the jump. Again, this allows you to avoid the inherent dangers of conventional jumper cables.
Tools
The first thing I recommend putting in your car is a basic tool set of wrenches, sockets, and screwdrivers. These are all important things to have, but sometimes life throws curveballs at you, so having other specialty tools is always a good idea.
First, there’s the ubiquitous multi-tool. Whether it’s the more common “pliers” design or the even more ubiquitous Swiss Army knife, these versatile tools give you multiple tools in a compact form factor.
Victorinox CyberTool 29 Pocket Knife (Translucent Ruby)
More specialized tools would be more useful if you rolled up on an accident, work as a first responder, or if the worst happens to you—but they’re still good to keep handy. StatGear makes the T2 Auto Rescue that looks like a regular folding knife, but adds a window punch and fold-out seatbelt cutter. The cutter also has an oxygen tank key built into it for EMTs. Its rubberized handle and deep finger grooves gives it a sure grip in cold and wet weather. Another knife that is similar to the T2, is SOG’s Trident knife. In addition to the partially serrated blade, a seatbelt cutter is integrated into the handle for faster use and a built-in lock ensures the blade stays closed as an additional safety feature.
StatGear T2 Auto Rescue Tool (Black)
Finally, CRKT makes a couple of handy little tools such as the Key Ring Emergency Tool and Exitool Vehicle Emergency Tool, as does StatGear with its EMS Survival Tek tool, which are specifically designed as much for ease of use as they are for their compact form factor. Finally, Secur makes a somewhat larger and more versatile tool called the Auto Emergency Tool. With a form factor more like a flashlight (because that’s basically what it is), it offers you battery-free hand-crank power, white and red lights, a USB charging port, magnets for you to place around the car, plus a window break and seatbelt cutter.
CRKT K.E.R.T. (Key Ring Emergency Tool)
Which brings me to my next essential piece of gear…
Lights
For most people, a flashlight is a flashlight is a flashlight, but as I pointed out in my iconic article “Flashlights You Never Knew You Wanted,” not all lights are created equal. When it comes to being stranded on the side of the road, having to make emergency repairs—the type of light, the batteries it takes, and how it is handled becomes crucial.
First, let’s talk batteries. Most people are going to lean toward easy-to-come-by AA or AAA sizes. And while there is something to be said for being able to walk into most convenience stores or pharmacies, they tend to have a relatively short shelf life when they’re sitting unused in a flashlight. If you’re fortunate enough, for years, to never need a flashlight while you’re stranded on the side of the road, chances are that you’re going to forget about the batteries, and when the time comes that you need a working flashlight they’ll be dead. Unless you’re someone who checks all their batteries twice a year when you change the clocks, or use your car flashlight frequently to find your phone, your kid’s toys, or stray French fries from under seats, you may want to consider a more obscure battery—the CR123A. These higher-voltage batteries have shelf lives that approach 10 years and provide more power to the light, which allows for brighter outputs, multiple color LEDs, and more modes such as strobes and SOS signals. You’ll need to go farther than the mini-mart to find them (or just order them from B&H), but the trade-off is worth it.
Watson CR123A Rechargeable Lithium Battery
Headlights
If you think you’re more likely to get under the hood to fix a broken fan belt, crawl under the car to hammer your starter, or wrestle with a wheel’s lug nuts, then you’ll definitely want both hands free. A headlamp will free your hands and light the way. B&H offers well over a hundred different styles from 17 manufacturers. For the purpose of roadside safety, you’ll want to stick with one that is lightweight, with a small head. You should also look for one that has the ability to direct the light up or down so you can direct the beam exactly where you need it. Personally, I’d pick one that was waterproof and shock-resistant—because, knowing my luck, if I’m ever going to be stuck on the side of the road it’s going to be raining.
Fenix Flashlight HL55 LED Headlight (Black)
Fenix Flashlight’s HL55 is a tiny, powerful light that weighs a few ounces, but has the ability to output 900 blinding lumens with a 160-degree tilting head and runs on just two CR123 batteries. Another solid option is Pelican’s 2760. While this tops out below the Fenix at 204 lumens, it does offer white and red lights, an adjustable beam angle, secondary downcast lights for better overall illumination, plus a flashing mode. It includes the three AAA batteries it needs to run.
Pelican 2760 v.2 Dual-Spectrum LED Headlight (Translucent Red)
Handheld
If you’re more of the kind of person who’s waiting for roadside assistance, then I still recommend a flashlight, but maybe a different kind. Handheld flashlights are by far the most numerous out there, and B&H offers around 650 of them, with about 400 in stock. For the scope of this piece, you’re going to want to stay away from behemoths that weight pounds and take up a lot of room, unless you’re doing search and rescue work. Keep it to an easy-to-handle size—something with a handle around an inch in diameter and a head not much larger. You’ll definitely want it to be bright with multiple outputs so you can read roadside assistance numbers or signal when they show up. I especially like distress signals and multiple colors for added signaling. And as I mentioned about headlights, get one that is waterproof just to make your life that much easier.
Personally, I keep a Vulta Volcano Multi-Spectrum LED flashlight in my emergency kit. It runs on AA batteries (but I’m the sort of guy who checks my batteries twice a year when I change the clocks), and is packed with features including emergency signal mode, a powerful white main output plus red and blue LEDs, and is waterproof. What I really like about this light is that it comes with a diffuser so it can be used to signal oncoming traffic away from the car or potential hazards, or to signal to a tow truck, police, or ambulance. It can also be set down on its tail cap so I can work with both hands.
Vulta Volcano Multi-Spectrum LED Flashlight (shown with included Diffuser)
The iconic Maglite is still around and the company has updated its entire line with LEDs—while maintaining the signature look and feel—including the focusable beam on the MiniMag, Solitaire, and other larger models. Another great brand is Nitecore, and I would especially recommend its SRT7. It has a variable output from 1 to 960 lumens, a secondary red LED, location beacon, and signal strobe, and is waterproof and shock resistant. Unlike my Vulta above, this one runs on two CR123A batteries. For something a bit more compact, you can’t go wrong with the LD09 E2 LED flashlight from Fenix. Weighing just a few ounces and less than four inches long, it is able to output up to 130 lumens, with an SOS function. Fenix is one of my favorite manufacturers and offers a solid assortment, so you’re sure to find one that you like. The company makes one of my staple camping lights—the MC11 G2 Right Angle that is tiny yet powerful, with a pivoting 90-degree head.
NITECORE SRT7 Revenger Tactical Multi-Color LED Flashlight
A nifty little light that will be a benefit for under the hood or car is Dorcy’s Adjustable Clamp Light. It has a flexible neck with a sturdy tension clamp at the end. The clamp can be used to attach it to the hood or window, or can be used as a base for free-standing functionality. Either way, this 100-lumen light gives you multiple options for hands-free use, runs on four AA batteries, and weighs just 9.4 ounces with batteries.
Dorcy 41-1251 Adjustable Clamp Light (Blue & Black)
Finally, if you just want to get rid of the battery question altogether, go with a model that allows you to generate power using an integrated hand-crank. This Secur light has a fold-out crank and an integrated solar panel to charge an internal rechargeable battery, it is waterproof, and has a flashing emergency-signal mode. While its output is nowhere near the previous lights, this one will never let you down, so maybe consider it as a backup, or if you tend not to stray too far from civilization and street lamps.
Secur Waterproof Solar/Dynamo LED Flashlight
Regardless of the flashlight you carry, it’s essential that you have at least one in your bag, along with at least one set of spare batteries. Again—I’m sort of obsessive about stuff like this and check my batteries at least twice a year, when we change our clocks, along with my smoke detector batteries and CO2 sensors.
Non-Conventional Lights
I’d like to mention some out-of-the-box thinking suggestions, because that’s the kind of guy I am. For your safety you’re going to want to be highly visible at night. There are a few items that, while they weren’t intended for roadside safety, can be highly useful in keeping you safe. In fact, these items were created for military and law enforcement use, but can be just as useful for us civilians.
Both from Brite-Strike, the first is the APALS. An acronym for “All-Purpose Adhesive Light Strip,” these water- and dustproof reusable lights come in a variety of colors and can be seen for up to a quarter of a mile away. With multiple flashing modes, they will notify on-coming traffic easily that something is up ahead. They also have adhesive backs that stay sticky when wet or cold, so if you have to walk for aid you can stick them to your back or pack for increased visibility when you’re walking.
The second is the company’s Tactical Balls. Originally designed as an alternative to flash-bangs for disorientating opponents, these weighted balls come in a set of three and each one has two bright LEDs. If you’re on the side of the road, activate these balls and place them strategically around your car to give you extra hands-free light or just to illuminate your vehicle so other motorists can see you better.
Brite-Strike Tactical Balls (RID-3)
First Aid
Most of us are relatively fine talking about prepping, such as in the context of this piece. It’s always a bit of a downer when it comes to talk of first-aid—mostly, I think, because it brings up the uncomfortable possibility that we or someone we love might be hurt. However, we need to discuss it, because proper preparation could be the crucial component that makes the difference between being hurt on the side of the road an annoyance or a tragedy.
Since this piece is partly a 101-type-buying-guide hybrid, I’m not going to go into detail about first-aid, and your best course for that is to take classes from trained and certified professionals. Still, there are some basic common-sense things you should keep handy. B&H carries an array of kits to get you started, from basic poison ivy cream to extreme trauma kits.
Adventure Medical Kits Adventure First Aid 0.5 Kit
In addition to the staple items of tape, gauze pads, and adhesive bandages, you should customize your kit to account for your specific needs. If you or someone in your family has allergies to bee stings, add an epinephrine dosage or two. Asthmatic? Keep an emergency inhaler. Diabetic? Ensure you have the proper medications in case you’re stuck overnight. Obviously, I could go on for pages, but the gist is that while it might be uncomfortable to think about the possibility of you or your family being hurt, it doesn’t change the possibility that bad things happen to good people.
Winter Considerations
Winter poses a unique set of circumstances for those who may be stuck on the side of the road. In fact, just pulling over for a moment to check an email or send a text could cause you to get stuck in snow. With this in mind, here are some tools and gear specifically for winter preparation:
• A folding shovel These take up very little space but give you the right tool to dig yourself out of a jam. You would use this to dig out in front of and behind your tires so you can rock back and forth to pull yourself out (a tip is to put your floor mats under your tires to give them better traction if it’s icy.)
Coghlan's Mini Shovel with Pick
• A pick A staple in most garden sheds or prospector kits, you can use one side to dig out and the other to break ice or tightly compacted snow.
• Hand warmers These single-use items will help keep your core warm without having to keep the car running. The danger of sitting in a running car isn’t so much wasting gas, it’s that it is easy for the tailpipe to get blocked stopped with snow and the fumes can fill the cabin, which only leads to bad things. From small versions that fit in pockets and gloves to larger body warmers for the core, to ones that last up to 12 hours, keeping these handy can only help if you’re stuck in the snow.
Grabber Mini Hand Warmers - Single-Use Air-Activated Heat Packs (Three Pairs)
• Emergency blanket Made popular after fall and spring marathons, these low-weight and low-bulk blankets are made of a heat-reflective sheeting that prevents your natural body heat from escaping and will keep you very warm. The best thing about these is that they take up almost no room in a first aid kit, but can literally save your life if you have to spend the night away from civilization.
Grabber Emergency Space Blanket (Silver)
Conclusion
There are any number of scenarios that can leave you stranded, and there are an equal number of solutions to help you out of many of those situations. So think ahead, grab some gear, and hit the open road—you know you want to. Be prepared!
1 Comment
Nice article, good advice