While no one expects to get into a car accident or experience other hardships while on the road, that doesn’t mean being unprepared for such events is a good idea. A good idea would be to carry a safety kit in each vehicle, so you can be prepared for a wide variety of emergencies. Like any contingency plan, finding the right balance when it comes to car safety kits can be a real challenge. After all, space and money are always limited, and both interests directly oppose the ability to purchase numerous items to put in a car safety kit.
This raises the key questions: what should every car safety kit have and why? The answers to these questions will depend in part on how much space can be devoted to a car safety kit, which will be very different for owners of large SUVs than it is for owners of Mazda Miatas.
The first thing every car safety kit should have is a set of jumper cables, especially when you live in an area where it’s not pleasantly cool most of the year. Being trapped in a disabled vehicle can quickly become a safety hazard in the long, harsh and unforgiving deserts of Arizona, New Mexico and Texas. Of course, the extreme cold that northern states experience can be just as dangerous for someone who can’t start their vehicle.
Arguably of equal importance would be a set of flares. Long-lasting flares can burn for more than 20 minutes, and it would probably be a good idea to invest in long-lasting flares whenever possible. A dark and stormy night can provide limited visibility and dangerous driving conditions that conspire to put occupants of disabled vehicles at serious risk. This risk can be seriously mitigated simply by making the vehicle easier to see in adverse conditions.
While many people overlook a flashlight, there’s no telling when a flashlight will truly prove to be one of the most useful items in a car safety kit. For this reason alone, almost all pre-built car safety kits come with flashlights, and many SUVs are starting to ship with built-in flashlights and tool kits. On the subject of tool kits, it’s also worth noting that a small tool kit can go a long way when only minor repairs will help restore a vehicle to working order.
A pencil and paper can also come in handy, especially if you find yourself in a position where you have to leave your vehicle and go for help. Similarly, a blanket can also come in handy when waiting out a particularly cold snowstorm or rainstorm. If waits are likely to be long, remember to pack hearty foods like granola bars or trail mix. A small first aid kit complete with bandages can also go a long way in a car safety kit. The best tools to have any situation are usually those that allow you to ask for help. A backup battery for a cell phone and/or a CB radio could be a good investment.
