Drivers, What's in Your Emergency Kit? Asks Brian Eberstein

Read the 1-800-Car-Wreck Lawyer's list of must-have emergency kit items for Dallas drivers

DALLAS--Aug. 21, 2013: Are you busy checking things off your summer bucket list? If a road trip is on that list, you may want to consider putting together an emergency kit. Even though no one likes to think that a car might break down or that a fun trip might end because of a car wreck, those things do happen. And, while you may be just minutes away from help if you run into trouble while driving in Dallas, even with a cell phone, it could take a long time for emergency responders to reach you if you are in a remote location on a cross-country trip.

When you put together your emergency kit, you may want to include these items:

-First aid kit (include bandages, gauze, adhesive tape, antiseptic cream, compresses, scissors and pain medication); -Flashlight and batteries; -Blankets; -Jumper cables; -Flares; -Tire change kit; -Work gloves and a change of clothes; -Paper towels and rags; -Nonperishable food (such as granola bars); -Drinking water; -Needed medicines; -Baby supplies (such as formula); and -Maps.

Some companies offer pre-packaged roadside kits. You may wish to purchase one of those and then supplement it with the additional items that you need, such as prescription medications or baby supplies. Make sure you familiarize yourself with the contents of your emergency kit; having a tire change kit won't help you if you don't know how to use it.