12 for the road: what to keep in your car.(SAFETY ALERT)(Brief article)

Winter weather is here, and as any driver who has been stranded on a cold night knows, a few pieces of equipment can make a huge difference in safety and comfort. We've found that some ready-made emergency kits have a fraction of what's needed, and some of their items are of low quality, so we recommend putting together your own kit. Start with a cell phone,

which is the most important safeguard. If you don't have one, consider a pay-as-you-go plan for emergencies. Here's what else you'll need:

Hazard triangles (or flares). Use three, and put them 50,75, and 100 feet behind a disabled car.

Jumper cables. Make sure they're at least 12feet long. A 6-gauge rating is ...