5 Things in My Car That Saved Me from a Night of Horror

Gerald Burns
6 days ago
4 min read

Car parked on a dark foggy road with hazard lights on and six amber LED roadside flares glowing in a line behind it — night roadside emergency scene.

The night was quiet enough to hear the hum of my tires on the asphalt — the kind of drive that reminds you why a roadside emergency kit is worth its weight in peace of mind. Then the V2 Pro AI Dash Cam barked a warning — pedestrian, collision, lane departure — all in a blur.

Out of the fog, a deer burst into the beam of my headlights. I hit the brakes, swerved, missed the animal by inches… and rolled over something hard. A rock? A branch? It didn’t matter. I heard the dull thump of a wounded tire.

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💡 Did You Know:

Most deer collisions in the U.S. happen between October and December, peaking in November, right when drivers are adjusting to darker evenings.

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I eased onto the shoulder, hazard lights flickering. My phone showed 5 percent battery, so I plugged it in to charge — just in case I needed to call someone. I killed the engine and grabbed my Dib Safety Reflective Mesh Vest from the door pocket — not because I wanted to get out, but because common sense won a narrow argument against fear.

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The 5 Roadside Emergency Kit Essentials That Saved My Night

From the trunk, I pulled one of my LED Road Flares. It doubled as a flashlight — bright, amber, magnetic — perfect for inspecting the wheels. The front right tire sagged like it had given up on life. I sighed, clipped the flare to the fender, and set the other five in a slow-blinking arc behind the car. The road looked like a runway for ghosts.

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The spare was there, dusty but intact… until I checked the pressure. Flat as my optimism. So out came the Cordless Tire Inflator and Repair Kit. The little pump hummed like a bee in a jar, giving the spare just enough breath to live again. Always check your spare tire’s pressure monthly to avoid surprises on the road. Ten minutes later, I had the dead tire off and the spare bolted on.

Just as relief settled in after fixing the tire, a new problem emerged — the car refused to start. The hazards had been flashing the whole time, the headlights still on — and when I turned the key, nothing. The dash lights faded to black. My car had joined the undead.

Luckily, I’d brought my miracle worker: the NOCO Boost Plus GB40 Jump Starter. Two clamps, one press, a faint click — and the engine roared back to life like it had just woken from a bad dream.

I packed up the flares, vest, and tools, took one last look at the fog-choked road, and climbed in. The dash cam blinked its quiet little LED, recording the last of the night like an eyewitness that never sleeps.

Five items. One dark road. Zero ghosts — just preparation turning panic into a story worth telling.

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💡 Did You Know:

Comprehensive insurance usually covers animal collisions and road debris, but not flat tires or dead batteries — that’s where roadside assistance or AAA membership fills the gap.

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FAQ - How Would Insurance Help in This Situation?

What Would Insurance Have Done in This Situation?

If that deer hadn’t missed, comprehensive auto insurance coverage would’ve been your best friend. It covers animal strikes, falling branches, and debris — the kinds of chaos you can’t plan for.

Does My Insurance Include Roadside Assistance?

Many auto policies offer it, but coverage varies. Roadside assistance can help with jump-starts, flat tires, or towing when your gear alone isn’t enough. Confirm it’s included before you find yourself waving down headlights in the fog.

Would a Flat Tire Be Covered by My Insurance?

Most of the time, no. Insurance covers accidents, not wear and tear. Some tire protection add-ons can help, but having an inflator, repair kit, and solid roadside plan will save you major headaches.

How Can a AAA Membership Help in a Night Like This?

AAA Membership provides 24/7 nationwide roadside assistance — towing, jump-starts, flat-tire service, even fuel delivery if your luck really runs out. Plus, it often earns you insurance discounts and travel perks.👉 Join AAA Minnesota if you’re local, or AAA Iowa if you’re across the border — it’s the best peace-of-mind subscription you’ll ever buy.

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Why Tell This Story?

Because preparation, protection, and proper coverage are the real trifecta. You can’t stop bad nights from happening — but with the right gear, a good policy, and AAA watching your back, you’ll always make it home.

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Ready to Protect Your Next Trip?

Learn more about affordable roadside and auto insurance coverage in Minnesota from City Insurance MN.

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As an independent insurance agency Minnesota drivers trust, City Insurance MN compares multiple carriers to find your best rate.