Posted on Monday, June 20th, 2016 at 6:14 am
Many of us spend a great deal of time in our vehicles taking children to school or other activities; traveling to and from work; running errands; or, enjoying an afternoon ride. For your comfort and safety, there are a few items you should keep in your vehicle at all times. Below are three car safety kits that everyone should have in their car.
Car Safety Emergency Kit
Every driver should have an emergency car safety kit in the vehicle. An emergency kit should include a variety of items including:
- Flashlight and extra batteries
- Band-Aids, disinfectant, antibiotic ointment, and other first aid supplies
- Water bottles and non-perishable food items
- Lighter and/or matches
- A portable battery pack for your cell phone
- Emergency medication (i.e. heart medication, allergy medication, etc.)
- Tool to break windows and cut seatbelts
- Weather radio
- Blanket
You can purchase car safety kits for your car or use an online checklist for your emergency kit.
Car Maintenance and Repair Kit
You cannot make all car repairs on the side of the road; however, you need an emergency kit for minor car repairs in case you cannot reach someone for assistance. Items you may want to include in your car repair kit include:
- Fire extinguisher
- Spare tire, jack, and lug wrench
- Flares, warning lights, and hazard triangles
- Fix-a-flat, portable compressor, plug kit, and/or form tire sealant
- Tire gauge
- Spare fuses and light bulbs
- Jumper cables and/or a portable battery booster
- Gloves, clean rags, and hand cleaner
- Disposable camera (in case of an automobile accident)
- Basic tool kit
- Coolant and hose repair kit
You should also write down roadside assistance information such as the number to your auto club, AAA, insurance provider, and other emergency contacts. Keep the list in your glove compartment and a copy with your emergency roadside kit.
Personal Items
The following items may not be considered emergency items; however, they certainly can make your life easier at times. Items you may want to keep in your car for personal comfort include:
- Extra change of clothing and shoes
- Facial tissues and/or toilet paper
- Emergency money
- Umbrella and poncho
- Pens and paper
- Small toys and books for children
- Book of word puzzles
- Small grooming kit
Remember: Replenish items in our car safety kits that you use and replace items that expire (i.e. batteries, food, etc.). Check your car safety kits often to make sure they are ready when you need them!
For more car safety tips you can visit the Driving Safety page of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration or the Highway Safety page for the America Red Cross.
Have You Been Injured in a Motor Vehicle Accident?
Our Sacramento personal injury attorneys hope that you and your family remain safe every time you are on the road; however, we are here to help in the event of a motor vehicle accident. California’s personal injury laws provide a legal process for you to receive compensation for your injuries and damages from a negligent, careless, or reckless driver.
Contact a Tiemann Law Firm personal injury lawyer by calling (916) 999-9000 or chat with a representative on our website to schedule your free legal consultation.
