Make a Driving Survival Kit Before Traveling at Thanksgiving

winter driving with snow

Before you drive over the river and through the woods or anywhere else at Thanksgiving, make time to assemble a driving survival kit that can save you trouble – or even save your life. Some of these items apply to cold-weather areas, but many are relevant for driving anywhere, anytime. These recommendations come from the Minnesota Dept. of Public Safety.

Safety Kit Essentials:

Use a coffee can or similar container with a plastic lid to store the following items:

  • Cell phone adapter to plug into lighter
  • Large plastic garbage bag
  • Pencil and paper
  • Red bandanna or cloth
  • Safety pins
  • Small candles and matches
  • Small, sharp knife and plastic spoons
  • Whistle
  • Plastic flashlight and spare batteries. Reverse batteries in the flashlight to avoid accidental switching and burnout. Warm batteries before using them.

Food Items for your Driving Kit:thanksgiving turkeys driving car

Choose small packages of food that you can eat hot or cold.

  • Canned soup, meat and poultry
  • Chewing gum
  • Food bars
  • Miniature candy bars
  • Raisins in small packets
  • Semi-sweet chocolate in pieces for sharing
  • Water
  • Wrapped hard candies

Survival Kit Safety Items:

Store in the passenger compartment when severe winter weather threatens, in case the trunk becomes jammed or frozen shut.

  • Basic tools
  • Booster cables
  • Road flares and reflectors
  • Sand, cat litter or other grit in a plastic milk carton
  • Shovel
  • Sleeping bag or blankets
  • Snowmobile suit and heavy boots
  • Tow cables or chain
  • 30-foot rope or cord to use as homing line if you must exit the vehicle

Winter Driving Resources: