AAA Nebraska is urging travelers to be prepared for winter weather. Spokesman Gene LaDoucer tells KLIN News this weeks massive pileup on an interstate in Virgina that stranded hundreds of drivers for up to 15 hours highlights the importance of having an emergency kit.
“Many of them weren’t involved in crashes, they were just bottled up after a crash in front of them,” says AAA’s Director of Public Affairs Gene LaDoucer. “They really weren’t expecting anything to occur, however if they were prepared for it the hours they spent on the freeway might have been less stressful.”
He says make sure your winter kit has water and high energy foods like granola bars and jerky that will help you survive for long periods of time. “Often times emergency responders aren’t able to reach you and tow trucks often times stop operating. You need to realize that someone might not be able to get to you for several hours.”
He also recommends having a flashlight, flares, warm blankets, coats and gloves, cell phone and charger and your prescriptions if you plan on doing some long distance traveling.