ON THE ROAD: The Perfect Roadside Bag

Truck drivers usually face a wide variety of issues while on the road. Often it’s a mechanical breakdown. Sometimes weather has an impact, and other times infrastructure closures like roads and bridges cause interruptions. In all cases, it’s best to be prepared for up to a couple days with essentials.

According to the Department of Homeland Security, every vehicle should be equipped with an emergency roadside bag. Truckers have particular needs that vary slightly from a family driving their passenger car, so we will add to DHS’s recommendation below. At a minimum, make sure you are prepared for a variety of situations that may leave you stranded by including:

• Jumper cables

• Flares or reflective triangles

• Ice scraper

• Cell phone charger with dash plug

• Blanket or sleeping bag

• Nylon tarp

• Paper maps

• Fire extinguisher

• Folding shovel

• Leatherman or other multi-function tool

• Basic first aid kit

• Extra warm jacket, socks, hat, and gloves

• Non-perishable foods like dried fruits, nuts, and granola

• Extra medication (check expiration dates)

• Bottles of water

It’s also a good idea to keep a small toolkit in your truck’s cabin in case you need to perform a quick fix to get back on the road and avoid having to wait for a tow or maintenance truck traveling to you in the middle of nowhere.

• Flat head and Phillips screwdrivers

• Pliers

• Box knife

• A few select wrenches

• Duct tape

• Spare bulbs for headlights and side marker lights

• Extra fuses

You don’t have to pack the entire garage in your truck, but a thoughtfully-planned roadside bag will prove to be invaluable for those unexpected situations where you find yourself stranded on the side of the highway far from the next town. Stay safe out there!