Depending on location, time of day or the time of year, the outcome of your actions can be life threatening.

This is not something that may happen to you.  This is something that will happen to you and to everyone you love.   Fortunately, a bit of planning and preparation can dramatically change the outcome of your unplanned adventure.

How many times have you seen a family member jump in a car and leave the house with little or no money, no coat or cell phone?  How many times have you seen a member of your family “ just run out for a few minutes” and not be properly prepared for the weather?  While living in Wisconsin a few years back I found myself searching for a group of teens who decided to have an impromptu  “beach party” at a friend’s house.  All were all dressed in shorts, bathing suits and flip flops.  At 1 AM we found them in a snow bank on a back road.  By luck, they happened to have enough fuel to keep the heat on in the car until help arrived. Had they run out of gas, it would have been a different story with the temperature at  20 below zero.

It’s the small things that can often get you out of trouble. To that end, I am often the target of some good natured kidding from my wife about filling up  when the gas gage hits the quarter mark.  That’s ok.  While I have never run out of gas, not everyone in my family can make that claim but they are getting better.

If you find your car failing try to get your vehicle off to the side. Try to get to an exit even if it means rolling on a flat tire.  Yes, the tire may be ruined, but that single act could save your life.  If that option is not available consider pulling to the forward of a section of guardrail. Doing so will put that protective barrier between you and a distracted or intoxicated driver slamming into your parked car.

While waiting for help there are only two good places you should be. The first is standing far away from your car to avoid being hit by any shrapnel resulting from a high speed collision with your parked car. The second option is to stay seated inside your car and belted firmly in place.  Depending on weather that second option may be your only choice. Having cash or a credit card also  lets a tow truck driver he will will be paid for his services.  Drivers have been known to say “no thank you” and drive off leaving you stranded.

Every car should be equipped a flashlight, flares and water. You should always carry a cellphone and a charger.  And it’s always a good idea to sign on with a roadside assistance service like On-Star or AAA.  To offer assistance they have to know exactly where you located. If you do not know drive until you see a mile marker or road sign.

Being female and stranded also means you are an easy target for a predator. Consider carrying pepper spray. It is nonlethal and can be effective.  Don’t just carry it.  Learn how to use it.  Hitting a bad guy with a defensive spray is not like spraying a bug. You really need to be trained how to use a product and know which sprays are effective. Many are not.

Finally , learn how to use weapons of opportunity to defend yourself.  Items such as flashlights, pens, water bottles, canes and more can be very effective in an emergency.

NEVER presume that the nice looking man walking to your car carrying a tire iron is there to help.