If you were on the road this Christmas week, then you may not need a reminder on the importance of an emergency kit for the old car. While on I-35 heading north from Kansas City through Iowa, it was sad to see car after car, truck after truck, and even some semi-trucks left in snow banks days before Christmas. People daring enough to make risky trips through questionable weather and even for normal weather should be prepared.

Traffic was heavier than expected, and those working and driving the big rigs were still trying to make destinations in a timely manner, making ice-covered roads a tense experience for those driving a small two-door vehicle.