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Roadside Safety Very Important This Time Of Year

By Marcy Norton

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - Summer's here, and it's road trip time! And just like in winter, you should have emergency supplies packed before you drive off for your next adventure.

No one ever plans to break down on that road trip, but at least you can be prepared if it happens. Jim Lardier of AAA Mid-Atlantic says your roadside safety kit should include a lot of common sense items:

"Flashlights with extra batteries, a tool kit with a screwdriver, pliers and some other items that may be helpful for a roadside emergency, things like duct tape or work gloves if you have to change a tire, this way, it'll protect your hands."

He also recommends you carry jumper cables or a portable battery charger:

"Summer heat is just as bad, if not worse, on car batteries as the cold winter."

Even better, have a mechanic check your battery before you leave, and while he's at it, take a look at your tires, wipers, belts and hoses, too.

The full list of AAA recommended kit items is below:

o Jumper cables or portable battery charger
o Flares or reflective hazard triangles
o Tire sealant or tire compressor, tire pressure gauge
o Emergency blanket - can be used for shade
o Flashlight with extra batteries
o Tool kit
o Duck tape
o Work gloves
o Rag or roll of paper towels
o First aid kit
o Umbrellas/rain ponchos
o Windshield sun shade723447
o Phone charger and/or external battery
o Water (one gallon, plus one bottle per person)
o Non-perishable food items or snacks (energy/protein bars, unsalted nuts, dried fruit)
o Sunscreen, wide-brim hat
o Emergency roadside assistance provider contact information

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