Picture this: Your car starts making a clunking sound, you smell something acrid and unsettling, and you do not know what to do next. To make matters worse, your kids and/or pets are in the car with you. What now? Well, your experience will undoubtedly still be stressful. But you have the power to make it a little less frustrating by taking steps now to plan for the possibility of this unsettling situation. Continue reading to learn how you can make a bad situation a bit better.
Call a Trusted Tow Service
After pulling off to the side of the road and making sure everyone in your vehicle is safe, the next thing you need to do is call a tow truck. You want to have a phone number and contact information handy before you need it.Â
Put a trusted tow truck company’s information into your contact list under Tow Truck, so you do not need to remember the name. This way, you can make a quick tap and get help right away. Be sure to tell them if you have kids and pets in the car, as that may change whether you can get a ride back with them or not, based on how much room is in their truck.
Keep Your Kids Busy
If you have ever been on a road trip with your kids, you know that they can become antsy very quickly. Try putting those squirmy kids in a vehicle on the side of the road, or hanging out in the ditch before the tow truck arrives. You might experience an exercise in futility. Luckily, there are some things you can do to ensure they stay safe and occupied while keeping your sanity intact.
The best way to save the day is to plan for the worst and hope for the best. Keep these things in your vehicle to ensure everyone is safe:
- Foldable waterproof picnic blanket
- Non-perishable snacks
- Water for each person
- Colored pencils and a sharpener in a pouch
- Coloring books, one for each child
- Magnetic tiles and a small tray
- Deck of cards or card games
- Games
- Do not pull out balls or frisbees. Keep everyone in one place while you wait.
Consider Your Pets
If your dog likes to hop in the vehicle for a ride or you transport your pet to and from the vet on occasion, you need to be prepared, just in case. Even the most well-mannered and well-trained canines can quickly become stressed and act out of the ordinary if their routine is disrupted. They follow your cues, as well, so if you are over-stressed, they will follow suit.Â
Always keep an extra leash in your vehicle’s emergency kit so you have one handy if you have to wait on the side of the road. Stashing it there is ideal since you do not have quick access to it and will not “borrow” it with the intention of returning later, only to forget. Keeping your dog leashed on the side of the road while you wait for your trusted tow truck to arrive will keep it safe and close without the worry of noises startling your beloved pet, causing it to run off, or worse, run into traffic.
When your car breaks down, do not let a bad situation get worse. Know what to do beforehand so you can save the day.
