No one plans on having an emergency. For truckers, an emergency could mean a wreck on a busy highway or skidding off the road during a snowstorm. As much as we try to prevent accidents from happening, sometimes they just do. Take a look at our ultimate list of truck emergency kit essentials to ensure you’re prepared in case of an emergency.

Department of Transportation (DOT) Requirements

In case of an emergency (like a collision), the US Department of Transportation requires all truckers to have certain gear on hand. These items include the following:

• A fire extinguisher
• Spare fuses
• Warning equipment for stopped vehicles

While you can look for these items individually, there are many companies that sell DOT-compliant kits online. Some of these kits come with bonus supplies, such as yellow emergency vests, gloves, and a first aid kit.

Extreme Weather Preparedness

While you’re not required by any law to stock your cab with winter essentials, it’s a smart idea. Once the weather starts to get cold, double-check your emergency kit for the items below.

Extra Clothing

Layers can save your life in extreme cold. If you end up trapped in a blizzard, you’ll want some extra gear to layer up with. We recommend a good pair of thick wool socks, extra gloves that can layer with the ones you already own, an extra scarf, and a beanie.

Hand Warmers

Charcoal-activated hand warmers are another truck emergency essential we have on our ultimate list. To use one of these packets, you simply expose it to oxygen and wait for the charcoal to heat itself. You can put these in your gloves, pockets, and shoes when you need some extra warmth.

Candles and Matches

Candles don’t give very much light to see by, but they do give off heat. If you’re in a tight spot, candles can help you stay warm. All you need is an empty metal bucket or can (like a coffee can). Put the lit candle inside the bucket, and it will warm up and act as a tiny space heater.

Snow and Ice Removal Gear

When you’re traveling through cold climates, you always want to be prepared for ice and snow buildup on or around your vehicle. Always carry a snow shovel in your truck so you can dig yourself out, as well as an ice scraper to ensure visibility.

Everyday Emergency Essentials

Winter isn’t the only season when you can experience an emergency. The following items are ones you should always have with you, no matter the season.

First Aid Kit

A first aid kit is a basic emergency item that every driver should have. You can assemble your own kit or buy one premade. Just make sure it has the following items:

• Bandages
• Tweezers
• Gauze pads
• Sanitary wipes
• Medical tape
• Antibiotic ointment
• Aspirin
• Non-latex gloves
• Oral thermometer
• Hydrocortisone ointment
• Cotton swabs

Food and Water

No one can survive very long without food and water. More importantly, staying fed and hydrated keeps your spirits up and helps you make better decisions. Sealed bottled water never really goes bad, so put a few gallons in your truck’s storage. You should also carry some long-lasting snack items like dried fruit, nuts, or granola bars. Keep these in a sealed bag or container and refresh them when they get stale.

Flashlight and Batteries

If you should get into an emergency situation at night, you’ll need a flashlight to see. Having a flashlight could help you signal a passing car, find your way through the dark, or even give you enough light to fix your truck. Make sure to carry extra batteries. If you’re worried about having to carry a flashlight around, consider getting a headlamp instead.

Backup Power Bank

Lots of people use backup power banks for long-distance travel, but they can also be really useful in emergencies. A backup power bank is a small device that you charge just like your phone. Then, when you need to charge your phone, you just plug it into the bank. Since most of us keep our emergency contacts in our phones, it’s vital that you always have access to a power source.

Toilet Paper

It would be easy to crack a joke about this one, but toilet paper is a genuine emergency supply. We recommend getting the kind without tubes, so you get more paper per roll.

Hand Sanitizer

Hygiene is important even in emergency situations. Also, it can be especially important to avoid contamination if you need to dress a wound or use the bathroom. Any hand sanitizer bottle that’s easy to open will work.

Distress Sign

If you need emergency help, you need to be able to communicate that to other drivers. And if anyone is looking for you, a sign will make you easier to see. You can find distress signs for vehicles in automotive stores and online. They look like orange banners that say “HELP” in big, black letters.

Extra Cash

Most truckers are wary of keeping cash in their cabs so as not to attract thieves. However, some well-hidden cash could be a lifesaver in an emergency. Coins for a payphone or cash for a tow truck can be vital tools to have in a bad situation.

An Atlas or Regional Map

All drivers should have an up-to-date map of the areas where they travel. If you’re a long-haul driver, then you may need an atlas for the entire country. Atlases are important for navigating when you lose your way and don’t have a working phone or GPS.

Backup Eyewear

If you require prescription eyewear to drive, then you should always have a backup in your vehicle. For glasses wearers, put an extra pair in your cab. For contact lens users, you’ll need extra contact lenses, solution, and a clean case.

Eliminating Risks on the Road

While you can’t prevent every emergency, you can be prepared in the event of one. Also, you can take steps to care for your mental and physical health on the road. Doing so will help you feel less tired, get better sleep, and prevent long-term health problems.

One thing you can do to minimize the whole-body impact of road vibrations is to invest in an air ride seat. You can find commercial truck seats for sale, including air ride seats, at GRA-MAG. Our air ride seats help block out the nerve-damaging vibrations from constant driving. Contact us today if you have questions or would like a quote for fleet pricing.