Items to Keep in your Vehicle
Being prepared for any situation on the road ensures not only your safety, but the safety of your passengers. Accidents aren’t the only threat on the road. Other risks such as breakdowns in unfavorable weather conditions could leave you stranded and at risk of exposure or other safety concerns.
Part of being prepared on the road means staying fully stocked with every must have item for your car securely stowed in the trunk. Here is a helpful list from our team to you on what items you should keep in your car in case of an emergency.
The Must-Haves for Any Vehicle
There are several must-have items for your car that have little to do with seasonal factors. Depending on how much room you have in the trunk, some items should take precedence over others. Also consider the age of the vehicle and where you do most of your traveling.
With resources like AAA, you may be able to leave some items behind. Thanks to technology, you may also find solar-powered options for things like flashlights, radios, fans, battery chargers and more. This is an added safety measure when traveling down the road as you aren’t limited to battery life or electricity.
Emergency Repairs
Always keep a collection of items to address roadside emergencies. Changing a tire requires a spare tire, lug wrench, tire iron, tire jack and potentially some WD-40. Hazard triangles can be an added safety measure as it gives other traffic a visual warning, particularly at night.
Tire sealant could be enough to patch a leaky tire long enough to get to a gas station or safe area to change out the tires. There are also portable air compressors that can help with tire pressure if you are far from a gas station.
General Safety and Prevention
A tire pressure gauge is an important device for ensuring your tires are properly inflated. If you need to add air, you will know how much to put in. A set of jumper cables will come to the rescue when your battery dies, or you can be a good samaritan for others.
A first aid kit can address minor medical situations while you wait for emergency medical services. A gas can helps if you run out of gas, and a fire extinguisher is a must-have to address critical engine fire situations. Duct tape, a multi-tool device and a flashlight are other items to think about keeping in your toolkit.
You should also consider traveling with a jug of water in the event the radiator starts to overheat. Keep an emergency bit of cash and coins stashed in the glove box in case you have to tip the tow truck driver, have to pay an unexpected toll or need to use a vending machine for food or drinks. A seatbelt cutter or window breaker are good items to have for your car in the event of extreme emergencies, and these are often small enough to fit in the glove compartment.
The Must-Haves for Summer Travel
Traveling during the summer months presents a few challenges if you break down or get stuck in a serious highway situation. These items aren’t just about car mechanics, either. These protect you and your passengers during unexpected delays.
- Water & Non perishable food
- A pair of sunglasses
- A phone charger
- An insulated cooler (helpful for transporting groceries)
- Sunscreen
- Windshield sun visor to help keep the car and you cool
- Phone charger
The Must-Haves for Winter Travel
Traveling through ice, sleet and snow can be dangerous, and the risk of accidents increases over the winter months. Even if you don’t live in heavy winter zones, it is best to be prepared. The right tools and supplies can keep you safe while you wait for help from the police or EMS. Here are the most crucial items to have in your car for winter travel.
- A sturdy snow brush and ice scraper
- Winter clothing, gloves and hat
- A heavy blanket
- A collapsible shovel
- Sand, rock salt or kitty litter (creates traction for stuck tires)
- Tow chain or tire chains (if appropriate for your tires)
- Bottle of de-icer
- Flares
- Water and non-perishable food
- Phone charger
The Must-Haves for Emergency Preparedness Support
We at CA Trial Attorneys favor the idea of being prepared for the worst. Although following measures such as these ensure preparedness, accidents do happen. That’s why we offer free consultations to assess your potential case and see if legal assistance is the best direction to go. Contact us today!