Can Your Vehicle Make It Without This?
Updated: Sep 6, 2022
This past winter was colder than it’s ever been in years. Although a week’s worth of warnings were provided, the arctic weather had many unprepared for its bitter effects. Thankfully, the weather provided relief for a few days, but the arctic chill returned with uncertain vengeance in intervals throughout the season. According to AccuWeather, this summer’s forecast for the US is also predicted to deliver a surge of extreme weather patterns including temperatures over 90 degrees, severe storms, flooding, and drought spells.
Where Your Vehicle Meets the Road
Winter definitely had a profound impact on the roads. Depending on where you live, and how quick your city’s response was to managing potholes, your vehicle likely felt the effects of damaged roads. In the unlikely event that your vehicle couldn’t resist these traveling hazards, you needed a plan in place if you became stranded.
News reports revealed how massive pileups on highways occurred because of this extreme weather condition. When these situations occur, recovery time can take many hours. If you’re lucky to escape the impact of a massive car pileup and have to wait on the side of the road, the situation will not be as bad as the victims involved in the accident. However, waiting on the side of the road can also be devastating especially if temperatures continue to drop at a drastic rate. An extreme increase in heat temperature can also wreak havoc on your vehicle and your health.
Check Your Vehicle’s Stockpile
In the event you have to wait for several hours, you need to have a vehicle emergency kit. This type of kit can help you reduce isolation if your vehicle gets stuck in a ditch. You may not be able to get your vehicle out of the ditch, but you can make yourself known to other travelers if you have tools such as a:
• Orange safety vest
• Yellow highway blanket
• Light sticks
• Solar blanket
• Mayday reflecting triangle
If you can help yourself, a vehicle emergency kit can also provide a flat tire fixer, a folding snow shovel, and jumper cables. A pair of warming gloves and a fleece blanket can also reduce the chances of you getting frost bite. These items are particularly important since your skin can freeze within 30 minutes of exposure. During the summer, storing items such as water, a first aid kit, biohazard bags, batteries, and other essentials to keep you cool can reduce additional danger.
Secure Roadside Assistance
If your situation requires additional help, you can secure assistance in advance. If you have not done so already, now is the time to purchase an unlimited roadside assistance plan. This type of plan will ensure that you receive timely help. Despite your possession of vehicle insurance, a roadside assistance plan offers more than just collision and medical coverage.
For example, if you’re traveling long distance, and you’re involved in an accident or become stranded, you can receive free towing within 100 miles. You can also receive up to $500 for food, lodging, and transportation. On the other hand, you may just need fuel because you ran out of gas. A cheap roadside assistance plan can fill up your vehicle and get you going in the right direction.
If a flat tire needs to be replaced, or you become locked out of your car, a mobile roadside technician can arrive wherever you are to help you stay safe. In addition to these benefits, there’s also the legal aspect of roadside incidents you may not anticipate. You may be a good driver and take every precaution you can to follow traffic rules, but a time may come when your clear traveling judgment may fail. As a result, you may cause an accident. If this occurs, you will need money to cover bail fees if you are arrested, and attorney fees for the litigation process if you’re charged with traffic violations or sued.
Your vehicle insurance company may cover a portion of the incident fees, but if your claim is denied, you will still be responsible for these expenses.
The truth of the matter is we all have underestimated our ability to resist the unexpected because we relied on the convenience of a vehicle. However, despite the benefits that this asset offers, vehicles malfunction beyond our control.
An Investment You Can Use Now
Some financial investments promise profitable returns after an extended period of time and may be subject to tax penalties if withdrawn early. A roadside assistance plan such as one that is offered through Motor Club of America can be an investment that will provide unlimited benefits every month.
The forecast for future winters predict more cold spells that many will not be prepared for. News reports have also revealed that some victims of the cold were found frozen to death in their backyard or in the front yard of their homes. Despite the cold and hot temperatures, your life responsibilities must be fulfilled. Don’t take a chance on becoming stranded without help especially if you’re miles away from home.
Prepare now and reduce the risk of acquiring major health problems and vehicle repair expenses. The faster a mobile roadside assistance technician can arrive to your location, the safer you will be. For the price of a large fast-food meal or a medium size pizza which many eat several times a week, you can save hundreds or thousands in road travel incident expenses by paying only $9.95 once a month.
If you want more information about a cheap roadside assistance plan that offers unlimited help every month, click here.
Get Help Today
For as little as $9.95 or 33 cents a day, you can avoid exceeding your travel budget.
References
Boeckmann, Catherine. Windchill chart for the United States. The Old Farmers Almanac.
Galli, Brad. (2019). Canadians stuck in 70-car pileup play hockey on highway. WXYZ.
AccuWeather 2019 Summer Forecast.
Haddad, Ken. Ecorse police: Man found frozen to death across the street from home. WDIV.
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