I’m sure you’ve noticed the number of automobile posts on Unfinished Man; yes we write about cars quite often because we love cars! This post is more about the safety side of the experience we all love so much, called driving. With the summer driving season just around the corner, it’s important to have some emergency items in your car, especially if you’re planning a road trip.
Most modern cars are pretty reliable, but they do break down when you least expect them; emergencies like flat tires and dead batteries can happen to any car, no matter their age. Having common sense and good driving habits is one of the most important things you need when driving, and don’t forget good car insurance that will cover damage caused by accidents. Yikes!
Below is a list of some secondary emergency items everyone should have in their vehicle.
5 Emergency Items You Need in Your Automobile
- AAA Card – AAA has been around for a very long time, since 1902 to be exact, and their main purpose is to get you out of that sticky situation when you least expect it. These guys will come and change a flat tire for you, give you a boost when your battery is dead, and even tow your car for up to 200 miles, depending on your coverage. Having a AAA membership is a great way to ensure you won’t be stranded on the side of the road, especially if you own an older car.
- Cell Phone – in order to call AAA, you’ll need a phone to call them. Cell phones are extremely common nowadays, even kids have them, but it’s still a good idea to make sure your phone is in proper working condition before you go on that cross country road trip, and don’t forget to bring your car charger.
- First Aid Kit – having one of these kits handy is always a good idea, not just in your automobile. The come with bandages, disinfectants, pain killers, and many other useful things; depending on the size of the kit.
- Fix A Flat Canister – having a flat tire on the side of a highway is a major pain in the arse, and changing a tire on the side of a highway is quite dangerous. And no to mention, most motorist never check their spare tire, which may or may not be in proper working condition, that’s why it’s important to have one of these kits. The kit is filled with some sort of gunk that seals the hole in the tire and fills the tire with air, giving your tire life so you can drive on it and take it to a tire repair shop.
- Road Flares – one of the best ways to be seen by motorists, especially if you’re stranded at night, is road flares. Putting these bright flares behind you alerts motorists of you, and hopefully they slow down and even go in the other lane (like they’re supposed to) to give you more room
Having the above items in your car should give you peace of mind and reduce the chance of you getting hurt while you’re car is not cooperating. Hopefully you won’t need them but it’s always better to be safe than sorry.
[Photo: Qole Pejorian]
Worth noting is that even cellphones without a SIM card will still dial 911; great for an emergency. If you have an old cell phone lying around, charge it up, turn it off, and throw it in your glove box. Just remember to bring it back to the house every now and again to keep it charged up.
Excellent point, thanks for sharing that. Though a bit grim, there have been some programs here in Canada to provide street walkers with old cell phones for that very reason.
Did not know that, thanks!