As the mother of two little boys, my life suddenly jumped from all things fancy to all things dirty and, by dirty, I mean that in a quite literal sense. Mudpies and matchbox cars have become my forte and the older they get, the bigger the toys get. Add into the mix the fact that Daddy is a car enthusiast and I’m surely on this path for the long haul. With everything from race cars and go-karts to Jeeps and monster trucks, it’s safe to say that I know my way around a vehicle pretty well these days.
We tend to go off-roading a lot so, accordingly, we keep ourselves pretty well prepared for the inevitable. With enough tools on hand to fix just about anything, tow straps to pull ourselves out of the deepest ruts, a battery jump box, plenty of snacks, a jack and stands, spare clothes, blankets, and more – you name it, we probably have it. Luckily, we haven’t had to put much of it to use. From time to time little things come up but (knock on wood) no true vehicle emergencies have happened. Unfortunately, I cannot say the same for everyone. All too often I see folks on the side of the road struggling to change a tire, stuck in parking lots because their car battery is dead, and we even get the occasional phone calls to rescue a friend stuck in an unforgiving mud hole. Now, surely, we’ve upped the ante with our own ventures and very well may be prepared for the worst of the worst but it certainly beats being unprepared, right? In a recent survey it was concluded that two-thirds of drivers had some sort of “junk” in their vehicle but a mere 5% had the tools necessary in the event of a roadside emergency. Now, after this frigid polar vortex has taken over a majority of the nation and caused chaotic events like the massive gridlocked traffic jam in Georgia and multi-vehicle accidents across the country, it’s time for a change.
Do you know what the recommended compilation of roadside emergency equipment is? When it comes to being prepared for roadside emergencies, men are more likely than women to have at least one of the emergency supplies on hand, but even so, only one in every twenty people actually has all necessary supplies on hand. State Farm is hoping to change that.
The recommended roadside emergency kit that you should keep handy consists of ten items including (but not limited to) jumper cables, hazard triangles, road flares, a flashlight, first aid kit, windshield scraper, blanket, non-perishable food, water, and, of course, a spare tire. Do you have it all? If not, you should definitely look into doing so.
Connect:
Be sure to keep up with State Farm through their social media networks via Facebook and Twitter to find out how you can become better prepared for automobile emergencies, stay up to date on all of the latest news, learn tips and tricks for car safety, catch great giveaways, and more!
One (1) winner will receive a State Farm Roadside Emergency Trunk Junk Overhaul Prize Pack that includes the following:
- Complete Roadside Emergency Kit
- Triangular-shaped Hazard Warning Sign Tote Bag
- 1 Set of Jumper Cables
- 1 Heavy-duty Plastic Ice Scraper
- 1 Tire Pressure Gauge
- 1 Nine Piece Ratchet Set with Rigid Hand Driver
- 1 Pair of Standard Slip-Joint Pliers
- 1 Flathead Screwdriver
- 1 Phillips Screwdriver
- 1 Roll of Red Electrical Tape
- Blade-Style Automotive Fuses
- 1 Pair of White Work Gloves
- Insulated Ring & Spade Terminals
- Mini LED Flashlight
- Nature Valley Granola Bars
- Supa Cham Towel
- Shoulder Tote Bag
Giveaway open to US residents only. Ends 2/17/14. ARV of $50
No purchase necessary. Open to residents of US only. Giveaway ends February 17, 2014 at 9:00 p.m. (PST). ONE ENTRANT PER HOUSEHOLD/IP Address! I check all entries – cheating will not be tolerated. Winner will be notified via email and needs to reply within 48 hours, or a new winner will be chosen. Please make sure you check your spam folder – I will not be responsible if you did not receive winning email notification. Winners name(s) will be displayed on the post, and will also be posted on Winners List shortly after drawing has occurred. Winners will be chosen randomly by Rafflecopter. Screenshots of winners available by request. Prize will be shipped directly from sponsor or their PR Agency unless otherwise noted. Eighty MPH Mom is not responsible for prizes lost in transit, although every attempt will be made for prize delivery.
**By entering this giveaway, you confirm that you have read and agree to my giveaway rules. Sponsor reserves the right to limit one prize per person/household (of this item/prize pack). Please allow 6-8 weeks for delivery of prize {though it is usually much sooner}. This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook. We hereby release Facebook of any liability. Odds of winning: The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. All prizes will be awarded. Void where prohibited by law.
*Randi received the above product(s), free of charge, to facilitate this review. All opinions are those of the reviewer only.
KV
I stay calm while skidding.
Kari
The tip saying to remain calm if you start to skid…probably easier said than done but a very important tip.
Xty Cruz
I find the “Pull off the highway, if possible, turn on your hazard lights or light flares, and hang a distress flag from an antenna or window” useful
Daniel M
Allow more time for braking when visibility is poor.
heather baker
Turning on hazards if you have to stop on the side of the road, many people need to learn that one.
Jeanine Turner
Run your vehicle’s engine and heater about 10 minutes each hour to keep warm. Open a downwind window slightly for ventilation and clear snow from the exhaust pipe to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
Jeanne
Always carry emergency supplies in your vehicle. You never know what could happen even in good weather conditions!
Holly Thomas
Turning on your hazzard lights when you have to pull off to the side of the road.
Janet W.
Since we’ve had a lot of freezing temperatures lately, Keep your gas tank at least half full to prevent gas line freeze-up is a very useful tip!
Sandra
Making sure to turn on your hazards if you pull off the road, and staying calm
Cheryl B.
Pack a Survival Kit
In case you’re ever marooned in your vehicle, you might want to keep a small survival kit on hand, in case of emergencies. Some useful items include:
Compass
Ice scraper and brush
Wooden matches
High-energy, non-perishable food
Cell phone charger
Blankets and warm clothing
So important especially in Winter time!
debbie
I liked the having a pack a survival kit- it is so important to have those items in your car, in the winter.
melissaandkeith miller
Conserve your vehicle’s battery. Use lights, heat, and radio sparingly.
Jenn
Keep your gas tank at least half full to prevent gas line freeze-up. I’m guilty of not always doing that one. I should know better.
Todd Lovessweeps
Remain in your vehicle so help can find you.
Marti Tabora
I found the tips on preparing your vehicle for winter most useful. There is nothing worse than breaking down in the winter, especially when it’s caused by something that could have been prevented. thank you.
Audra O'Hara
I like their tip about staying calm if you start to skid. We have a new teenage driver in our house (OMG) and the weather here has been bad. One thing we’ve reminded him is to stay calm and try not to over-correct in a situation like that.
Sheralle D.
Run your vehicle’s engine and heater about 10 minutes each hour to keep warm. Open a downwind window slightly for ventilation and clear snow from the exhaust pipe to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
D Schmidt
Visited the site and the most useful tip is : In case you’re ever marooned in your vehicle, you might want to keep a small survival kit on hand, in case of emergencies. We have been experiencing a lot of snow recently so its very apt.
Melissa Smith
Pack a survival kit, that’s something I never think of.
Cindy Merrill
It’s always good to keep a few ready to eat food items in your car, such as nuts, dried fruit or energy bars. I’ve also read that having a few garbage bags can be helpful also.
deb c
Keep your gas tank at least half full to prevent gas line freeze-up. .
Donna L
Allow more time for braking when visibility is poor.
Danielle E
They have lots of good tips. I think the Stay Calm is probably applies to most situations. The other would be to pack a survival kit and always keep it in your car
Leann Lindeman
If you are stranded tips….Run your vehicle’s engine and heater about 10 minutes each hour to keep warm. Open a downwind window slightly for ventilation and clear snow from the exhaust pipe to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
Lynda Del
I find that turning on your hazzard lights when you have to pull off to the side of the road was helpful.
Rod Jackson
Allow more time to brake in poor weather.
Candice
I like the tip with a list of emergency supplies you should have in your car.
Robert Brown
To turn your hazards on while you are pulled over at all times.
Kayla
Stay clam if you start to skid! I’ve seen so many people go in ditches because they freak out!
Jackie
One of my favorite tips is to check Antifreeze and windshield wiper fluid levels.
Thank you!
Vickie Couturier
Carry Emergency Supplies
Linda Kish
Allow more time for braking when visibility is poor. Good no matter where you live.
Kelly Massman
Keep your gas tank at least half full to prevent gas line freeze-up.
Maureen
Run your vehicle’s engine and heater about 10 minutes each hour to keep warm. Open a downwind window slightly for ventilation and clear snow from the exhaust pipe to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
angie
carry emergency supplies a needed rule for every car
DEBIJOT
Don’t use cruise control on icy roads.
Seyma Shabbir
Preparing your vehicle for winter list! We never remember to do this until something happens!
Heather B
Keep your gas tank at least half full to prevent gas line freeze ups
Laur a DeLuca
Allow more time for braking when visibility is poor. – See more at: https://eightymphmom.com/2014/02/state-farm-roadside-emergency.html#sthash.fCuNp8Ku.dpuf
sandra davis
check Tire pressure and tread life and Make sure your exhaust pipe is not clogged with mud or snow. –
Kelly Nicholson
Antifreeze and windshield wiper fluid levels
very important
Emilie Proctor
“Stay calm if you start to skid.” This is very important! When you look the breaks up, that’s when you end up in a ditch!
Leann L
Pack a Survival Kit
In case you’re ever marooned in your vehicle, you might want to keep a small survival kit on hand, in case of emergencies. Some useful items include:
Compass….I would have never thought of that!
priscilla anderson
stay calm when skidding
Sarah VM
The tip I find most useful and that a lot of people don’t know is..If stranded…”Run your vehicle’s engine and heater about 10 minutes each hour to keep warm. Open a downwind window slightly for ventilation and clear snow from the exhaust pipe to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.”
Jennifer Rote
I like the Carry Emergency Supplies tip.
Dorothy Teel
Stay calm if stranded and to care a snack and to Run your vehicle’s engine and heater about 10 minutes each hour to keep warm. Open a downwind window slightly for ventilation and clear snow from the exhaust pipe to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning
Cori Westphal
The best tip, and what we’re always reminded of here in MN, is that if you do get stranded somewhere, NEVER leave your car. Stay with it and stay as warm as possible!
BusyWorkingMama
I am always careful when skidding.
Brutus Duffy
I never thought about keeping my gas tank at least half full-makes sense-now I know. Thanks.
Alona Y
If stranded, running engine and heater for 10 minutes an hour and clearing snow from the exhaust pipe to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.
Terra Heck
I think this tip is most useful: Call 911 if you have a phone and describe your location as precisely as possible. I work for 911 and cannot stress enough the importance of being aware of your surroundings and where you’re at so you can help the dispatcher locate you.
Thanks.
partymix25(at)hotmail(dot)com
Fawn H
If a winter storm strands you with your vehicle, Remain in your vehicle so help can find you.
Ann Fantom
I like State Farm’s winter driving survival tip: Run your vehicle’s engine and heater about 10 minutes each hour to keep warm. Open a downwind window slightly for ventilation and clear snow from the exhaust pipe to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
Jeff Legg
Pack a Survival Kit
Chrystal M.
Stay Calm if Standed: Need to study this…..I am sure I would be in pure panic mode if it happened to me!
David Smith
The section Follow Winter Driving Recommendations is really helpful. I always allow a much greater distance to stop when it is icy.
Kathy Myers
Keep your gas tank 1/2 full I really need to get in the habit of this!!
Shelley P
Pack a Survival Kit because you never know when you will need it. Be prepared 🙂
Michele P
living in the Northeast, I already do most of what was listed…however the pack a survival kit is one that most people don’t really think about until it’s needed.
Alycia
We have a winter survival kit in each of our cars, but we don’t have a compass in it like State Farm suggests. That’s a really good item to add!
Mya Murphy
Making sure you have emergency supplies!!
Debra S
Don’t use cruise control when it’s icy on the roads!
Natalie
Because I live in MN a good tip is to stay calm when your car slides. Also always have winter weather emergency gear in your car.
Nikki C
Pack a Survival Kit
kelly tupick
I thought that packing a survival kit was a very good tip. I think this is the one that most people forget about. I am usually well prepared, as i live in New England but this is one that I do not have in my vehicle.
sandra
i didn’t knwo the tip about keeping your gas tank at least half full to prevent gas line freeze-up.
Amanda Kinder
Don’t use cruise controls on icy roads. I know someone who does, so I’l have to pass that to him.
Sharon Kaminski
I think “Keep your gas tank at least half full to prevent gas line freeze-up” to prevent stalling.
Robin Miller
I wish I were a better driver in the rain
AUTUMN GRACE
Stay Calm no matter what !!!!!!!! OK at least try to …TY
Karen Dwight
carry emergency supplies..the reason I am entering this giveaway.
FRANK
Allow more time for braking when visibility is poor.
Marlena Little
Run your engine and heater 10 mins an hour to keep warm
Stephanie MacDonald
Carry emergency supplies in your car!
Wes Hovorka
I learned to turn on hazards if you have to stop on the side of the road.
jose benavides
Breaking on time before and accident and always using a flare when getting a flat to warn oncoming cars..
peggy allen
make sure you have gasoline at over 50 percent so your gasoline line does not freeze
soha molina
Never warm up your vehicle in a closed garage.
Tiffany W
Turning on hazzard lights when pulling off the road.
Sarah L
Keep your gas tank at least half full to prevent gas line freeze-up
Thanks for the contest.
Tammy Woodall
Preparing your vehicle for winter would be most useful because by doing so, it will most likely, deter the car from breaking down.
John Kraichely
Carry Emergency Supplies
Diana Mahnke
I learned that it’s very important to keep and emergency kit in your vehicle filled with supplies.
angie p
Not to use cruise control on icy roads is a good tip to know.
kath g
their most useful tips for me — i never thought to keep wooden matches or extra antifreeze in my emergency kit.
Sara
I like the tip to not use cruise control on icy roads.
Sarah Hall
I did not know about the rule to keep your gas tank half full to prevent fuel line freeze-up. This is something I am glad to learn about.
darby
Make sure to have a full tank
Ingrid Jackson
Always carry emergency supplies in your car.
christine jessamine
I think packing a survival kit is the most useful for our family
Janet
Don’t panic when starting to skid…lying, I panic when starting to skid.
Megan
If I get stranded I don’t think I would of thought of this, very helpful
Run your vehicle’s engine and heater about 10 minutes each hour to keep warm. Open a downwind window slightly for ventilation and clear snow from the exhaust pipe to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
virgomomwriter
The most helpful was “Keep your gas tank at least half full to prevent gas line freeze-up.” Now, if I can only convince my husband…
Sylvie W
Checking “Antifreeze and windshield wiper fluid levels” was the most helpful advice for me.
Diane Hamel
Keep window wash fluid full
Melissa S
I think the best tip they list is the one to prepare your car for the winter.
Carrie Conrad
Carry Emergency Supplies
Debra Sauvageau
Keep your gas tank at least half full to prevent gas line freeze-up..I did not know this.
Kathleen M Smith
Don’t use cruise control on icy roads, I had never heard that before
Terri C. McMillan
Keep the gas tank to at least half full
e michelle
i like the stay calm if you start to skid
tina reynolds
Such an important tip Stay calm if you start to skid.
Robyn Norris
Never warm up your vehicle in a closed garage. The ultimate advice