Roadside Emergency - What to Have in Your Car at All Times

You have a cell phone so you think you're prepared for a roadside emergency? Sometimes that just isn't enough. Here are some things you should keep in your car at all times, the chances that you'll need them may not be too high but you'll feel more confident and safe knowing you're prepared. These things would make a great car safety kit to give to someone getting their first car or maybe going away to college.

It is always a good idea to have road flares in your car. If you get in trouble they will alert the traffic around you that there is some sort of problem and will be very helpful at night. You may think that the flashing hazard lights on your car are enough but what happens if your car is totally dead? Road flares will also help emergency vehicles find you more easily. A flash light and extra batteries should be kept in your glove compartment so you can have easy access to it in case you are stranded on a dark road without street lights. Even if you live in a large city that is full of lights, a flashlight is still a good idea.

Along with the road flares and flashlight, you should also keep jumper cables, a tire jack, and a spare tire in your car to prevent any unnecessary stressful situations on the road. Not only is it important to have this equipment in your car, it is just as important that you know how to use it. Try to take a road safety class or ask someone who is mechanically inclined to show you the proper way of using these tools.

You should also have two kits in you car for roadside emergencies: a tool kit and a first aid kit. You can buy a car kit at any auto store that will usually contain a screwdriver, pliers, maybe a pocketknife and you can always add your own equipment such as duct tape - it fixes many things! Your first aid kit should include the basics such as bandages, gauze, rubbing alcohol wipes, and scissors. Again, you can always add to your road safety kit as you feel necessary.

Another area of safety many people don't think of is the nutritional aspect, if you're stranded for hours having something to eat and drink could help you stay calm and collected. It wouldn't hurt to keep a few energy or granola bars and some bottles of water handy in case an emergency does arise.

One last thing I recommend having in your car is a disposable camera, if you get in an accident it will be very helpful to take pictures. You don't want to leave an expensive camera in the car, especially with variable degrees of heat, but a disposable camera won't cost you a lot and can definitely pay off in the long run.

These are just some of the items that should be found in anyone's car at any given time. If a roadside emergency occurs, you want to be prepared and these items will definitely help. You will be much more calm if you are confident in your ability to handle numerous roadside situations.