Having an Equipped Car in Panama is Essential
UPDATE: If you are driving home from a carnival fiesta today, there are even more items you should have in your car. Throughout high season, especially during carnival, police road blocks have been set up to check for documents. Motorists are expected to have the following documents on hand: Passport (or residency card and drivers license), car registration, insurance and a minor accident report form. It's a good idea to keep these things in your car at all times. Combined with the beach toys and list of roadside breakdown items below... you might need a bigger truck!
Towels, beach toys and sports equipment, are great items to keep in-tote for a trip to the beach. If however, your car breaks down on the way there, there are some essentials that if you have on hand, can save you frustration.
A vehicle break down any time of the year can be a pain. Combine it with hot weather and the situation can become it downright exhausting. It pays to be prepared:
Here is a list of items worth having on hand when a roadside breakdown happens:
- Hazard triangle (with reflectors) or road flares
- First aid kit
- Jumper cables
- Spare tire
- Proper functioning car jack
- Cellphone and charger
- High-calorie, non-perishable food
- Brightly colored distress sign or “Help” or “Call Police” flag
- Jug of drinking water
- Extra clothing
- Candle/matches, lighter, and/or flashlight
- Tarp for sitting or kneeling in the mud for exterior work like a tire change
- Fire extinguisher
Insurance companies in Panama offer roadside assistance. However, it is a good idea to be prepared, as the wait for help to arrive could be long, depending on where you break down. Check with your insurance provider, if roadside assistance is part of your policy, and be sure to keep the helpline number handy in your car.
Checking the condition of your automotive safety supplies is equally as important as having them in the first place! The only thing worse then having a flat tire is finding out your spare is also flat. It is recommended that motorist check their emergency equipment annually.
