Almost 100 million people in the United States are expected to travel 50 miles or more for holiday gatherings and vacations this season, almost 90% of them by motor vehicle. In addition, many college students will be driving home for break. If you’re looking ahead to a road trip, it’s a good time to take stock of what you know about road readiness. In case of emergency it is an excellent idea to have a emergency roadside assistance plan in place. 

In addition to belonging to a good auto road service plan you should also carry an emergency kit in your vehicle. You can buy these ready-made online or at auto or hardware stores. Or put one together yourself for a nifty gift. Some items to include are: flares or reflective triangles, flashlight, batteries and a pocketknife, jumper cables, a small first-aid kit, blankets, rags or paper towels, a quart of oil and extra windshield wiper fluid, a help/call police sign and brightly colored cloth to tie to your antenna, a tire inflator and a multipurpose tool, and a cell-phone charger.