It’s a sad fact, but serious car accidents are on the rise. With everyone more distracted than ever, and 90% of accidents being caused by human error, we all need to be prepared.
Car safety begins long before you pull away from your house. It starts with what you put in your car.
Read on for our guide to car safety essentials you should always have in your vehicle.
Hi-Viz Jacket
If you get in an accident at night, being visible is the most important factor in staying safe.
A hi-viz vest or jacket, such as those available from hi-viz.com is essential in any car safety kit. If you break down or have an accident in a rural area, or even on an unlit stretch of freeway, a hi-viz vest will keep you visible and much safer.
Car Repair Kit
OK, we’re talking about some basic vehicle repair essentials here. But at the very least, it’s important to have the following:
- tire repair kit
- jumper cables
- tire gauge
- multi-tool kit
- WD-40
- duct tape
Flat tires are the most common problem you’re likely to encounter. Always make sure your spare is in tip-top condition. Also, check that you have your tire jack and iron safely stowed where they should be.
Insurance and Breakdown Contact Information
Everything seems to be online these days. That’s great until you’re stuck with a flat battery or no signal and need to call AAA.
Keep a paper copy of all the documents you might need in your glove box. Then, even if you’re reduced to using a payphone, you won’t be left high and dry.
Emergency Supplies
We’re not talking stocking up like a prepper, but just putting together a basic bag of essentials. This should include a first aid kit, a flashlight, matches, water, and some basic food supplies.
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Nothing too fancy—just a stash of energy bars will do. Other nutrient-dense foods with long shelf lives include granola bars, dried fruit, and nuts.
It’s also a good idea to keep some paper road maps with you. We might all rely on maps on our phones these days, but you can guarantee they’ll go offline at the worst possible moment.
Safety Triangle
Along with hi-viz vests, safety triangles are super important pieces of vehicle safety equipment.
Simply place them behind your vehicle if you can’t move. They will alert oncoming vehicles to your presence. They can be a car safety lifesaver, literally.
The Final Word: Car Safety Essentials
None of us head out planning to have an accident, but it’s happened to the best of us. If you’ve got these car safety essentials to hand, you’ll be well-prepared for almost everything the road can throw at you!
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