10 Things to Always Keep in Your Vehicle

Emergency Checklist

Spring break is right around the corner, and if you are like the others hitting the road, there are some important things you should keep in your car. It easy to want to de-clutter the small space, but these ten things should help equip you if you are in an accident or emergency on your trip or just driving around in your home town. Most of the time, these items can be fit in the glove compartment or in a small bag underneath your seats.

1. Your insurance card. Getting stopped without it could result in you losing your license until it is proven you have it.

2. Your Doctor’s Information. If you were in an accident or medical emergency, having your medical records or the ability to call your doctor to get them could get you better and faster care at the hospital.

3. Checklist. Being in an accident can cause your adrenaline to rush and make your forget to do things. Have an accident checklist in your glove department so you are able to take the correct actions and ensure that your rights are protected.

4. Flashlight. Flashlights are necessary to find missing cellphones, documents, or look at the car in the case of an accident. Even in the daylight you may need to check under the seats for something. Make sure to have spare batteries with you as well.

5. Cell phone charger. Having your cell phone is crucial in an accident, and if it is dead it does no good to you. This problem can be resolved by keeping your phone plugged into the charger while you are driving.

6. Survival Kit. Depending on the weather, you may need different means of protection if you are stuck in your car. Always keep a blanket if it is cold and a sunshade so that the weather is more bearable. Always have water bottles and small snack bars if you are unable to eat or get to food. Matches, knives, toilet paper, are all things you may want to consider keeping in this bag if you have to spend the night.

7. First Aid Kit. Include band aids, antibacterial cream, and other pain reducers or bandages you may need on the road.

8. Road Flares. In low populated areas, having a means to make you more visible to other drivers is crucial to prevent further accidents.

9. Jumper Cables. One of the most common car problems is a dead battery. You cannot expect for another car owner to always have these cables. Have yours ready and available.

10. Quarters. Many highways have tolls. If you meet of one these toll booths unexpectedly you can be ready and not run the chance of getting a fine by not having change.

These ten things will not prevent an accident, but they will make you better equipped for improving the situation and not making it any worse.

Source: FindLaw Blogs. “10 Things you should keep in your car.” Deanna Katz. Esq. November 20, 2012.