By HANA KIM
6 News Reporter
KNOXVILLE (WATE) - Several drivers spent Tuesday morning retrieving vehicles that ice forced them to abandon the night before along the interstate in Knox County.
Officials say drivers need to be prepared for situations when the weather makes it too dangerous to get home.
Herschell Gaines opened his trunk Tuesday, showing us, "I've got an extra tire. I've got two jackets. There is that blanket."
Gaines was in better shape than most people who spoke with 6 News Tuesday.
"I would try to survive, but wouldn't make it. I only have napkins, and I don't know what we would use that for," said driver Gerald Carter.
"You should always have a spare tire and make sure it has air," said transportation specialist Mack Van Dyke, who works for the Knoxville-Knox County Community Action Committee CAC Office on Aging.
He has AAA's survival kit, which comes with a number of items including a flash light, a jumper cable, extra clothing, work gloves, a whistle and even an air compressor for your tires.
If you're stranded, especially during night time, reflective triangles are helpful. Experts say to use two or three and set them up behind your car so oncoming traffic can see you're there.
A survival kit wouldn't be complete without some first aid items, and it's always smart to keep snacks and water in your car.
Gerald Carter says it's never too late to take action. "I would get a blanket or two because I don't have a spare tire so if I was stranded, I would have to cover up and wait for someone to save me," he explained.
You can get the survival kit from AAA or of course buy the individual items.
AAA's survival kit comes with a flash light, a jumper cable, extra clothing, work gloves, a whistle an air compressor and other items.
