Car Emergency Necessities Every Driver Should Have on Hand
It is essential to keep a small stockpile of emergency items in the car, in case of an accident or an unforeseen event. Having these items on hand could be the difference between a minor or a major incident. Not all cars have the space to hold a ton of emergency supplies, but having these four below will fit in any car and make a difference should you find yourself in an accident or emergency.
1. Flares (or glow sticks) - if you are in an accident or need to pull off the road for an emergency stop, setting flares around the car will warn oncoming cars that there is a stationary car on the side of the road. Other drivers will proceed with caution and in most cases offer help. A long-lasting snap glow stick is easy to use and has a long shelf-life, many on the market will last for longer than five years. Finding one that is waterproof and non-toxic is a plus.
2. Water - water is essential for our health and well-being. Having this on hand will help in many instances. If you need to pull over to wait out a storm or find yourself in a car accident, water will keep you hydrated and more alert to the situation. Water is especially important to have on hand during the summer months when dehydration happens much more rapidly.
3. Flashlight - if you are stuck on the road at night, the first thing you will reach for is your flashlight. A LED flashlight is the most recommended by safety experts. A flashlight that changes modes is useful for a variety of situations, as is finding one with a long beam, up to several hundred feet. These days it is easy to find flashlights no longer than a few inches that pack a lot of power in their small bodies. Keeping a few spare batteries in the glove compartment is another easy task that you may thank yourself for later.
4. First aid kit - it is very handy to have a first aid kit on hand for any minor abrasions, wounds or injuries that may occur in a car-related accident. And while it is true that anything more serious than a minor injury must be checked by a doctor, having a first aid kit on hand means you can buy yourself, or a loved one more time until professional medical attention can be acquired.
It is important to prepare for every scenario that may occur on the road, even though it is not as fun as packing snacks and creating a playlist. Having the above items on hand will ensure that your road trip, whether it is half an hour or seven hours, will be as safe as possible.
